Chafariz Nobre do Largo de Camões - Ponte de Lima, Portugal - Renaissance Architecture on Waymarking.com

"The importance of water, even in a region where this is, fortunately, abundant – as it can be seen in the green colours of the landscape that is typical of Minho – has always been respected. Proof of this are the numerous square fountains, once places for water supply and today a source of embellishment, as well as various water springs and fountains that supplied water to the local populations before domestic water supply systems were implemented.

The fountain on the main square of Ponte de Lima (Chafariz Nobre do Largo de Camões) was finished in 1603. In order to accomplish this, an extra tax ("finta”) was issued for some consumer goods - namely (at the time) precious salt - in 1578, thus allowing the construction of what we today enjoy as a monument.

Initially the fountain was built in the square that is known today as "Largo Dr. António Magalhães”, at the time one of the main wall gateways into the town, being transferred from there into the square "Largo de Camões” in 1929.

Its Renaissance design and work are, currently, assumed to be by the famous Ponte de Lima born master, José Lopes, "o Moço” (the young). Due to the extreme importance of drinkable water, the fountain has inscribed on it a list of fines for those who would sully the water. First time offenders would spend three days in jail, whereas repeated offenders would risk a sentence twice as long."

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Date of origin:: 1603 Architect(s): José Lopes, "o Moço” Style: Late Renaissance (ca. 1580–1620) Web site of the object (if exists): [Web Link] Type of building (structure): Renaissance fountain or well Address: Largo de Camões, Ponte de Lima, Portugal

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