Did you know this fountain has seen its fair share of drama? The Chafariz do Largo do Carmo stands proudly in the Largo do Carmo. It silently observes the square’s vibrant life.
The Chafariz do Carmo fountain was built in 1796. It is located in the middle of the Largo do Carmo. The fountain replaced an older one. A French traveler mentioned the earlier fountain in 1796. He described it as rising above a large marble basin.
Some believe D. Miguel Ângelo de Blasco designed the current Chafariz do Carmo. He was a military engineer. Reinaldo Manuel dos Santos oversaw its completion. The Chafariz do Carmo quickly became popular. Water carriers flocked to it. Most of them lived nearby.
Imagine the scene in 1851. Four spouts gushed water. Seven water carrier companies bustled around. Seven foremen supervised 231 carriers and two assistants.
But the Chafariz do Carmo wasn’t always appreciated. In 1875, Lisbon’s council considered demolishing it. They felt it lacked significance. Conflicts between water carriers and residents were frequent.
The Chafariz do Carmo boasts a unique design. It resembles a shrine or canopy. The fountain features four sides. Each has its own spout flowing into a tank. A pyramid tops the structure. It features four small dolphins. Pilasters surround the fountain. They connect laterally. They form a quadruple portico. Pyramids adorn the pilasters’ tops. An urn sits at the center. A crowned national shield embellishes one of the arches of the Chafariz do Carmo.
The Largo do Carmo is named after the Igreja do Carmo. The church and convent once dominated the square. Today, the Igreja do Carmo stands as a memorial. It reminds us of the devastating 1755 earthquake. Only the arches remain.
The convent became the GNR police headquarters. This building holds historical importance. Here, the Estado Novo surrendered power in 1974. This marked the end of 50 years of dictatorship.
The Largo do Carmo offers a calm atmosphere. Ancient jacaranda trees provide shade. Their violet flowers bloom in spring. Restaurants offer alfresco dining. Terraces offer trendy evening hangouts. Enjoy cocktails with city views.
The Elevador de Santa Justa stands near the Igreja do Carmo. This industrial-age lift connects the Largo do Carmo to the Baixa district. It provides panoramic city views.
The Chafariz do Carmo has witnessed history unfold. It has provided water and served as a focal point. It remains a charming feature of the Largo do Carmo.