Centuries ago the waters of Bica dos Olhos were believed to hold a secret. Today we stand before this unassuming fountain. The Bica dos Olhos is nestled into a building on Rua da Boavista. Its story is one of alleged cures and clever schemes.
Built in 1675 Bica dos Olhos gained fame for its supposed ability to heal eye ailments. People flocked here hoping to find relief from their conditions. The fountain’s name Bica dos Olhos means fountain of the eyes in Portuguese. This name reflects the water’s reputed healing powers.
Legend tells of a Frenchman who discovered the water’s supposed virtues. He saw an opportunity and began selling it in small bottles. He gave it a fancy name to attract customers. The water indeed seemed to work wonders. The Frenchman made a tidy profit.
However the Frenchman’s source was not his own. He had a servant fetch the water from the Bica dos Olhos. This bica actually belonged to a man named Duarte Belo. The secret eventually came out. The servant revealed where the water truly originated.
News spread quickly and people started going directly to the Bica dos Olhos. They sought the miraculous water themselves. The Frenchman realizing his scheme was exposed fled in haste. He feared the consequences of his deception.
There was a trick to using the water effectively. People believed it had to be collected before sunrise to retain its healing properties. Imagine the scene people gathering in the early morning light. They hoped to capture the water’s full potency.
Interestingly the water was found to be sulfated. It contained over 200mg of sulfate per liter. Sulfated water is often used in thermal baths. However its medicinal use is not typically associated with eye diseases.
The Bica dos Olhos has undergone restoration. The Junta de Freguesia da Misericórdia oversaw the work. They ensured this important piece of history was preserved. Other fountains in the area have also been restored. These include the Chafariz da Glória and the Fonte da Praça das Flores.
An inscription is carved into the stone. It states that the property owner is obligated to keep the fountain flowing at their own expense. This shows the importance placed on maintaining this public resource.
The Bica dos Olhos even features a coat of arms. It depicts two ravens on a ship. Legend says these ravens guarded the body of São Vicente. São Vicente is the patron saint of Lisbon. The ravens are a symbol of the city.
The Bica dos Olhos miraculously survived the Great Earthquake of 1755. This event devastated much of Lisbon. Its resilience is a testament to its solid construction. It is made of lioz a type of limestone.
Though the water may no longer possess its famed medicinal qualities it still offers refreshment. The Bica dos Olhos can quench the thirst of passersby. It serves as a reminder of Lisbon’s rich history and folklore.
Today the Bica dos Olhos stands as a humble monument. It is a reminder of a time when its waters were sought for their curative powers. It invites us to reflect on the stories and legends that shape Lisbon’s identity.