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Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain

District: Vila Real > Murça > Sobreira

Location

The Fonte de cima (Upper Fountain) is located in Sobreira, a village that is part of the municipality of Murça. Nestled in the typical Transmontana landscape, this village is characterized by its rural and tranquil environment. The fountain, as its name indicates, is situated in a higher part of the settlement, offering visitors a perspective on the village's layout and a serene setting, far from the hustle and bustle of urban centers.

A Testament to the Past

This dip well is one of the elements that mark the history and popular architecture of the region. Built through the joint effort of the community, its existence was fundamental for the daily life of the population. It served as an essential point for obtaining water, intended for various needs, from consumption and food preparation to personal and domestic hygiene. These hydraulic structures, common in the municipality of Murça, reflect the ingenuity and resilience of the communities that, between the 17th and 19th centuries, erected them to ensure access to this vital resource.

A Hub of Community Life

More than a simple structure for collecting water, the Fonte de cima was a true community gathering place and a hub for sharing in the village. It was here that inhabitants met daily, especially the women, who flocked there with their pitchers. These moments transformed the fountain into a stage for stories, news, and sometimes, new friendships or romances. Its presence in the village symbolizes not only subsistence but also the strong social bond and community life that characterized the Transmontana villages throughout the centuries.

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