Wellspring of the New Well / Source of the New Well

Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Setúbal > Alcácer do Sal > Torrão

Location

The Poço Novo Fountain is located in the village of Torrão, part of the municipality of Alcácer do Sal, in the district of Setúbal. Set within a typically Alentejo landscape, this monument is nestled in a rural and serene environment, marked by vast fields and a tranquil atmosphere. Its location allows visitors an immersion in the genuineness of inland life and the discreet beauty of the territory.

History and Function

By its name, Poço Novo (New Well), this fountain suggests a history linked to the renovation or creation of an infrastructure vital for the community. In the past, public fountains played an essential role in the life of villages, serving as a water supply point for human and animal consumption. The Poço Novo Fountain must have been, for a long time, a meeting and sharing point, witnessing the daily lives and needs of several generations of Torrão inhabitants, marking the rhythm of rural life.

Architecture and Setting

The Poço Novo Fountain is characterized by its functional and robust construction. Although it may have a modest design, its structure naturally integrates into the vernacular architecture of the region, using local materials such as stone or masonry. Generally composed of a tank or drinking trough and a support wall or frontispiece, its design reflects concern for durability and efficiency, serving supply needs practically and perennially. It is an element that, through its simplicity, highlights its utility and its discreet presence in the local landscape.

Cultural Legacy

More than a mere supply structure, the Poço Novo Fountain is a true symbol of the deep connection between the community and its water resources. It represents the memory of a not-so-distant past, where water was a precious commodity and its acquisition a daily ritual. Visiting this place allows the observer a connection with the social history of Torrão, uncovering the way of life of other eras and the importance of water in the formation and subsistence of communities. It is an invitation to reflect on the resilience of the people and a testament to the cultural heritage preserved in the Portuguese rural landscape.

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