Fonte Mourisca: Sintra's Moorish Fountain
A 20th-Century Romantic Creation
Situated along Volta do Duche, the 19th-century promenade linking Sintra's railway station to its medieval historic quarter, the Fonte Mourisca functions as a prominent gateway monument. While its Islamic arches and intense tilework evoke the region's medieval past, the structure is actually a 20th-century Romantic revivalist creation. Built in 1922, it was designed to replace the older Chafariz da Câmara and celebrate the town's historic reliance on fresh mountain springs before the advent of modern plumbing.
Neo-Arab and Neo-Mudéjar Design
The fountain was designed by sculptor José da Fonseca, whose workshop also provided stone craftsmanship for another iconic Sintra estate, the Quinta da Regaleira. The monument features Neo-Arab and Neo-Mudéjar architecture, anchored by a large horseshoe arch that houses three smaller horseshoe arches. These are framed by pale weathered masonry, carved stone columns with geometric capitals, and an interior covered by a red brick vault. The top of the fountain is crowned with stepped merlons styled directly after the battlements of the nearby National Palace of Sintra. A carved municipal coat of arms sits proudly above the central arch.
Dismantlement and Reconstruction
Despite its heavy masonry, the Fonte Mourisca underwent a dramatic relocation. In 1960, road-widening projects along Volta do Duche forced the complete deconstruction of the monument. Dismantled piece by piece like a jigsaw puzzle, the structure remained in storage for 22 years. In 1982, the Sintra Town Council rebuilt the fountain roughly 20 meters from its original spot. During this reconstruction process, the interior was updated with its current polychrome geometric Neo-Mudéjar azulejos (ceramic tiles).
The Fountain Today
Today, the Fonte Mourisca is maintained by the Municipality of Sintra as part of its regular conservation programs for historical civic water structures. The fountain remains an active water feature, with a steady echo of splashing water resonating within the shaded, recessed brick alcove. Water flows continuously from a bronze rosette spout into an oval stone basin. However, municipal notices advise caution, noting that the public fountain water is untreated.
FAQ
When was Fonte Mourisca built?
Fonte Mourisca was designed and constructed in 1922 by sculptor José da Fonseca during Portugal's Romantic revivalist movement.
Why was the fountain dismantled in 1960?
The fountain was completely deconstructed in 1960 to accommodate road-widening projects along Volta do Duche. It remained in storage for 22 years before being rebuilt in 1982.
Is the water at Fonte Mourisca safe to drink?
Although water still flows from the bronze spout into the basin, municipal notices advise caution as the public fountain water is untreated.
Are the ceramic tiles on the fountain original?
The current interior Neo-Mudéjar azulejos (ceramic tiles) are not the 1922 originals; they were added as an update during the structure's reconstruction in 1982.
