Category: Civil Architecture > Spring / Fountain
District: Vila Real > Sabrosa > Provesende > Largo da Praça
The Old Fountain of Provesende is located in the heart of the village, in Largo da Praça, a central and easily accessible point for those exploring the locality. Its strategic position allows visitors to naturally integrate it into a stroll through Provesende's core, finding it in its main public space. This location, sometimes near a viewpoint, offers an interesting perspective on its surroundings and the village life.
This monument, entirely built of granite, constitutes a distinctive element in the landscape of Provesende. Its imposing presence, carved in stone, reveals a structure designed to endure over time, standing as a remarkable example of Baroque urban furniture. It is a tangible testament to the art and mastery of past eras, an invitation to contemplate the region's cultural legacy.
The Old Fountain carries with it traces of its 18th-century origin. A date, 1755, engraved on the cartouche that adorns its backrest, suggests its construction period. Although its direct builder remains anonymous, it is presumed that the work was commissioned under the authority of D. José de Bragança, then Archbishop of Braga. The insignia of this archbishop, carved on the monument, underline its historical connection to the See of Braga, revealing a fragment of the village's institutional history.
Beyond its overall grandeur, the fountain captures attention with its intricate details. The rectangular basin and the two spouts, adorned with expressive figures or "carrancas" (gargoyles), give it a peculiar and artistically elaborate appearance. The cartouche engraved with the date and the Archbishop's coats of arms are not mere decorative elements, but marks of a rich identity and past, inviting a closer observation of its sculpted details.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.21752668, -7.56733262
Coordinates DMS: 41°13'3.1"N 07°34'2.4"W
On-duty Pharmacy Provesende
