Sistelo Fountain

Category: Civil Architecture > Fountain

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Sistelo > Portela de Alvite

Location

The Sistelo Fountain is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Sistelo, in Portela de Alvite, situated in the square named after the 1st Viscount of Sistelo. This central space is a convergence point for several streets, all carefully paved with granite cobblestones and flagstones, creating a harmonious and traditional atmosphere. Its position within the urban cluster allows it to be a prominent feature, perfectly integrated into the village's surroundings, which is an integral part of the renowned Cultural Landscape of Sistelo.

Architectural Details

This 19th-century fountain, built entirely of granite ashlar, stands out for its robust and classical aesthetic. The central element is a quadrangular pillar, resting on a prismatic plinth, which rises with a striking presence. Its faces are adorned with conical and diamond-point motifs, set into quadrangular recesses, culminating in a cornice that supports a fluted urn. At the base of the pillar, there are two wrought iron taps, still in use, and, laterally, two cartouches with inscriptions that are now barely legible. The pillar is set into an octagonal tank, formed by large slabs, also decorated with rectangular reliefs, and features a protruding edge, with a small drainage outlet leading to a monolithic basin. Two metal rails between the tank and the pillar were designed to support containers for those fetching water there.

History and Significance

Dating from the second half of the 19th century, the Sistelo Fountain was a work championed by Manuel A. Gonçalves Roque, the 1st Viscount of Sistelo. This benefactor, a native of the parish, financed its construction after his return from Brazil, a gesture that reflects the contribution of the "Returnee Brazilians" to the development of their homelands. Since its inception, the fountain has maintained its hydraulic function, serving the community as a water source. Its permanence and good state of conservation are a testament to the importance this element had and continues to have for local life, remaining a symbol of Sistelo's generosity and history.

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