Chafariz do Largo do Mastro

Why is the Chafariz do Largo do Mastro adorned with dolphins? The Chafariz do Largo do Mastro is no ordinary fountain. It boasts a curious history, intertwined with another Lisbon landmark, the Campo de Santana. Designed by Malaquias Ferreira Leal, this elegant fountain features a striking obelisk design and intricate carvings. But look closer, at the four faces of its basin. You’ll see four playful dolphins, each spouting water from their mouths. These dolphins, sculpted by Alexandre Gomes, were initially intended for a grand fountain planned for the Campo de Santana. However, for reasons lost to time, that project never materialized. The dolphins, already sculpted, awaited their destiny. In 1848, the Chafariz do Largo do Mastro was inaugurated in Belém, a different part of Lisbon. It incorporated these very dolphins, giving them a new home. The fountain stood in Belém for almost a century before it was dismantled and moved to its current location in 1947. Today, the Chafariz do Largo do Mastro stands as a testament to the fluidity of history, a blend of artistic vision and unexpected turns. Remember the playful dolphins as you admire this charming Lisbon landmark. They carry with them a story that bridges different eras and locations, reminding us that even in a city as ancient as Lisbon, the past is always present.