Fountain of the Muses

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Centro Histórico

Location

The Fountain of the Muses is located on one of the main thoroughfares of the city of Setúbal, Avenida Luísa Todi. It is a central and recognizable landmark in the heart of the Historic Centre. Its prominent position on the avenue makes it a reference point in the urban space, easily integrated into the route of those exploring this area of the city.

A Historical Landmark of the City

This fountain is an element with deep roots in Setúbal's recent history. Its construction began around 1959, during a period when the city was celebrating the centenary of its elevation to this category. For this reason, it is often known as the Centenary Fountain, reflecting the memory of a significant moment for the community. Since then, the site has served as a reference and meeting point for locals and and visitors.

Artistic and Aquatic Expression

The sculptural ensemble of the fountain is its most distinctive aspect, contributing to it also being nicknamed the Fountain of the Nymphs. The three female figures, crafted from white Estremoz marble and approximately three meters tall, are the work of the Porto-born sculptor Arlindo Rocha. Each of them symbolically represents fundamental elements: The Earth, The Sea, and Poetry, evoking the natural and cultural richness of the region. Water, in dynamic jets, complements these sculptures, creating a visual spectacle that intensifies with lighting after dusk, also earning it the name of Luminous Fountain.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt