Municipal Square Fountain or Terreiro Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Viana do Castelo > Caminha > Caminha > Terreiro

Location

It is located in Conselheiro Silva Torres Square, better known as Terreiro, in the historic center of Caminha, in front of the Clock Tower.

Origin and Construction

Built between 1551 and 1553, it is a Renaissance work by master stonemason João Lopes, the Elder, author of other similar fountains in Pontevedra (Galicia) and Viana do Castelo.

Architecture and Style

Composed of three overlapping bowls in increasing size, it features a rich decoration of geometric elements and mythological figures.

Water Supply

Initially, water was channeled from a spring in Moledo, about 4 km away.

Relocation

In 1835, it was moved to align the nearby streets, after the demolition of the old pillory in the square.

Interventions Over Time

In 1865, a protective grid was added and, more recently, it underwent cleaning to remove the patina of time.

Classification

Since 1910, it has been classified as a National Monument.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chafariz_do_Terreiro

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