Saint John's Fountain

Category: Religious Architecture > Niche

District: Viana do Castelo > Melgaço > Melgaço > Senhora da Oliveira

Location

The Fountain of São João is located in the heart of Melgaço, in the Praça da República. It is integrated into a landscaped area, inviting a peaceful break in the center of the village. Its position offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate daily local life and enjoy views of the houses and the Minho river valley.

Situated in the northeast part of the square, the fountain is surrounded by well-tended flowerbeds and paved areas, featuring stone benches. At the back, a pergola complements a small viewpoint, perfect for observing the urban surroundings and the natural landscape that characterizes Melgaço.

Origin and Legacy

This remarkable baroque structure was completed in 1780, bearing witness to Melgaço's history through the centuries. Its initial construction, financed by the judge João Pedro de Sá and donations from the local nobility, reflects the importance of water and public art for the community at the time. Originally located in Assadura, the fountain was transferred to Praça da República in 1903, adapting to the urban transformations of the village and becoming a central point ever since.

Over time, the Fountain of São João has been the subject of interventions aimed at preserving its integrity and adapting it to the space. Its permanence and careful maintenance underscore the value that the village of Melgaço attributes to this heritage element, a true lasting legacy.

Style and Symbolism

Constructed from granite ashlar, the Fountain of São João is a beautiful example of the baroque style. Its rectangular shape is enhanced by pilasters and pinnacles culminating in a pediment. At the base, water spouts from a gargoyle in the form of an anthropomorphic mask, with wavy hair and a tap in its mouth, flanked by two serpents with dragon heads, pouring into a basin with a curved profile.

Above, an oval cartouche houses the representation of the Agnus Dei, the Lamb of God, enveloped by phytomorphic elements and a shell, symbolizing the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. The monument also includes inscriptions in Latin and Portuguese, with the date 1780. At the top, in a perfect arch niche, stands the sculpture of Saint John the Baptist baptizing Jesus Christ, flanked by tombstones and surmounted by the coat of arms of Portugal, lending it a profound religious and historical meaning.

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