Chafariz do Meio

Monsanto

This is a monumental fountain of erudite design and exquisite workmanship in ashlar stone, has a back topped with an arched pediment in the centre and flanked by Tuscan pilasters; two richly decorated spouts extend from its smooth facade, from which water freely flows into a tank. It appears to reproduce on a larger scale the Baroque design of the Old Fountain (Chafariz Velho), which is found a few metres lower down. It dates from 1854, as indicated in the inscription on it. It is built against a cut in the rocky slope that is now hidden by the stairs of the house located behind it, where it is thought there is a spring that feeds it. The local fountains are witnesses to the important circulation of water found inside the granite massif.