A Roman warrior stands guard over a fountain. That’s right. We are standing in front of the Chafariz do Lumiar. This fountain has a story as unique as its statue.
The Chafariz do Lumiar began its life in 1885. It wasn’t here though. It was located in the adro of the Igreja de São João Baptista. The Câmara dos Olivais ordered its construction for the local population.
Where did the water come from? The Câmara had a mine explored in the sítio dos Pinheiros. The lands belonged to the Duke of Palmela and João Pisani da Cruz. These owners and others contributed to the construction costs. The Duke’s estate even received the surplus water.
In 1909 a big change happened. The Chafariz do Lumiar was moved. It went from São João Baptista’s adro to Largo Júlio de Castilho. This is where we stand today. Even after the move, the Chafariz do Lumiar kept getting its water from the same source. It was also supplied by the water company. Locals preferred the spring water.
The Chafariz do Lumiar is not your average fountain. It shows some monumentality. This contrasts with the merely functional spouts of the time. Those spouts were already supplied by the Alviela.
Let’s look closer at the Chafariz do Lumiar. It has a quadrangular base. It is decorated with bas-reliefs. The reliefs show coiled dolphins and a trident. Water flows into two basins on opposite sides.
Now look up. A statue crowns the Chafariz do Lumiar. It is a small figure dressed as a Roman warrior. He holds a cornucopia. This earned it the popular name Chafariz do Boneco or Fountain of the Doll.
The statue holds a cornucopia in his right hand. It is a symbol of abundance. In his left hand, he holds a cup. Both objects are allegorical to water.
The Chafariz do Lumiar has seen changes over the years. In 1940, the Direção Geral de Saúde saw a need for improvements. They wanted to improve the mine and channeling. The tap was then closed.
Look at the base again. You can see the inscriptions. On the northeast side, it reads CML 1909. On the southwest side, it says Chafariz 1855 Camara Nos Olivaes.
The Chafariz do Lumiar is made of limestone masonry. It features a circular platform and a wide cruciform base. The corners are rounded. There are two rectangular tanks on the main and rear sides. A semicircular tank is added to the main one. In the center, a truncated pillar displays dolphins and a trident. Water flows from spouts on these decorated faces.
The Chafariz do Lumiar stands in the center of the Largo. The Largo was once known as Largo da Duquesa. It is paved in Portuguese cobblestone. Today it serves as a parking area.
The Chafariz do Lumiar is more than a water source. It is a cultural and recreational landmark. It is a testament to the history of Lumiar. The Chafariz do Lumiar remains a symbol of the area’s rich past.
So next time you pass by. Remember its journey. Remember its Roman warrior. Remember the fresh spring water.