Slaughterhouse Source

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Torrão

Location

Located in the serene locality of Torrão, in the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, within the district of Setúbal, the Fonte do Matadouro is integrated into the picturesque environment of this Alentejo village. Its presence, somewhat discreet and perhaps a little distanced from the busier center, evokes a time when daily needs dictated the location of essential infrastructure. Surrounded by the typical calm of the Alentejo rural landscapes, it offers a moment of tranquility and a glimpse into local life.

A Legacy of Water

This monument of civil architecture testifies to the vital importance that public fountains held in the daily lives of rural communities. The Fonte do Matadouro would have been, over centuries, an essential supply point for the inhabitants of Torrão, providing water for domestic use, irrigation, and livestock watering. Its peculiar name suggests a historical connection to local economic activities, underlining its eminently practical and functional character in the village's past.

Simple and Robust Architecture

The construction of the Fonte do Matadouro reflects a functional architecture, typical of public infrastructure of the era. It is characterized by its simplicity and robustness, with elements that denote its primary purpose: water supply. Generally, these fountains feature a stone or masonry basin for water collection, fed by one or more spouts. The materials used would have been those available locally, giving it a natural integration into the landscape and the built environment of Torrão.

Testament to the Rural Past

More than just a water point, the Fonte do Matadouro is a silent testament to the rural life of yesteryear. It represents resilience and how communities organized themselves to meet their basic needs. Its enduring presence invites reflection on the history and traditions of Torrão, offering an authentic glimpse into the past and the environment that shaped this Alentejo locality over the centuries.

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