“Did that fountain just speak?” Before you jump to conclusions at that rather odd question, let me introduce you to the Fonte dos Hulsenbos. This fountain, a gift to the city and a tribute to animals, holds messages that seem to whisper from its stone heart. Commissioned by Dona Alice Hulsenbos in 1907, it stands as a memorial to her father, Conselheiro Henrique Hulsenbos. But look closer, and you’ll find inscriptions that go beyond a simple dedication. Etched into the marble, you’ll find phrases like “Kindness to animals is the truest form of kindness to our fellow man” and “This fountain is entrusted to the care of the public. To damage it is to commit a crime against all who use it.” The Fonte dos Hulsenbos, with its tiered basins and ornate sculptures, served a dual purpose. It provided fresh water to the people of Porto while offering a place for animals to quench their thirst. Today, it stands as a quiet beacon of compassion, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all living beings.
Fonte dos Hulsenbos
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