“Is it just me or does the air around the Fonte das Fontainhas whisper tales of old Porto?” This isn’t just a fountain. It’s a historic landmark with a view. The Fonte das Fontainhas is nestled in the Alameda das Fontainhas. This place offers an excellent view of Gaia and the Douro River.
Imagine Porto’s bourgeoisie strolling here. They used this space for leisure. The Alameda das Fontainhas was a popular public promenade. It opened in 1796. José Francisco de Paiva designed it.
The name “Fontainhas” tells a story. It hints at many small fountains that once existed here. Over time the pronunciation evolved into “Fontainhas”.
The water source was located on the Monte da Praça da Alegria. People considered it high quality. It served homes and ships. Before voyages, ships took on water at the “Fountain of Aguada”. This was near a pillar of the Maria Pia Bridge.
The Fontainhas spring is one of the oldest public water sources in the city. News of its water quality dates back to 1588. The water supplied the Fonte das Fontainhas. It also supplied nearby laundry areas. Washerwomen washed clothes here and dried them in the surroundings. An aqueduct carried water to the College of São Lourenço. This was also known as the College of Grilos.
An 1864 guide describes Fontainhas. It is on a hillside overlooking the Douro. It has shady trees and stone benches. In 1831, they improved it with railings and gates.
The Fonte das Fontainhas has remained unchanged. It is part of the complex built in the 18th century. The fountain is against a large semi-circular wall. A continuous bench runs along the wall. It invites rest and reflection. You can admire the beauty from here.
The fountain has a large basin. Two spouts pour water into it. Granite frames the spouts. A crack runs between the spouts. Water flows continuously through it.
Two pillars rise from the fountain’s rectangular back. They are topped with pointed shapes. These resemble battlements of castles. Could these shapes allude to the mysterious Castle of São Lázaro?
The fountain’s aesthetic is simple. But it holds many stories. The Carquejeiras likely stopped here. These women carried heavy loads of carqueja. They needed water and rest. Carqueja was used to fuel ovens and fireplaces in the city. A statue nearby honors these workers.
Locals got their water here. Women carried pitchers on their heads. Girls carried small jugs.
Many events took place in the Fontainhas area. There were bloody battles during the second French invasion. Napoleonic troops were fleeing. During the siege of Porto in 1832, absolutist troops set up camp. They were in Gaia on the south bank of the Douro. Dom Pedro defended the city. He ordered batteries to be set up including one at Fontainhas. Its strategic location made it a key defense point. Constant artillery bombardments disturbed the population.
Finally the Fonte das Fontainhas transforms during the São João festival. It becomes a small shrine. People decorate it with sweet basil and fragrant herbs. Sculptures of Saint John baptizing Christ adorn the fountain. People leave alms and wax offerings. Despite the noise, a sacred atmosphere prevails.
The poet António Aleixo captured the Porto spirit. He wrote about girls going to Fontainhas like swallows on Saint John’s night. The Fonte das Fontainhas is a witness to many experiences.