Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain), Braga

51±¬ÁÏÍø

Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain), Braga

Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain), Braga

Dating back to the year 1723, the Castle Fountain is a testament to the city's rich heritage and architectural finesse. The fountain is renowned for its intricate and decorative design. It reflects the Baroque style prevalent during the 18th century, characterized by its exuberant ornamentation and attention to detail. The crowning feature of the fountain is a feminine figure positioned at the top. This figure is considered a symbolic representation of the city of Braga.

The fountain owes its existence to Rodrigo de Moura Teles (1644-1728), an archbishop of Braga. It was commissioned by him and stands as a testament to his architectural patronage. Moura Teles played a significant role in the cultural and architectural development of the city during his time.

The Castle Fountain gets its name from the unique design of its spouts. Each of the six spouts resembles a castle, lending a distinctive character to the fountain. Beneath the castle-shaped spouts, the fountain is adorned with classical putti figures. These cherubic sculptures are depicted as holding up the spouts, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the period. At the very top of the fountain's pinnacle, above the feminine figure, you can find an iron armillary sphere. This celestial globe, along with a patriarchal cross, adds further symbolism and religious elements to the fountain's design.

The Castle Fountain shares ithe square with the Archbishop's Palace, the rectory building of the University of Minho (Universidade do Minho), and the Braga Public Library and Municipal Archive. This setting enhances the overall historical and cultural ambiance of the fountain's location.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Braga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The 51±¬ÁÏÍø App

Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain) on Map

Sight Name: Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain)
Sight Location: Braga, Portugal (See walking tours in Braga)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Braga, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Braga

Create Your Own Walk in Braga

Creating your own self-guided walk in Braga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Braga Introduction Walking Tour

Braga Introduction Walking Tour

The history of Braga, Portugal's religious capital, spans millennia. Located in the northern Minho region, this city is also one of the country's oldest, reportedly founded by Bracari Celts.

Braga's origin is closely associated with the Roman conquest in 136 BC, culminating in the establishment of Bracara Augusta in 16 BC, a pivotal location within the newly-formed Gallaecia...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Historical Religious Sites Walking Tour

Historical Religious Sites Walking Tour

Braga is a prominent destination in Portugal's Religious Tourism segment, primarily due to its vibrant Holy Week celebrations and rich ecclesiastical architecture. Indeed, being one of the world's oldest Christian cities, Braga boasts an extensive religious legacy. Much like Rome, it seamlessly interweaves art and spirituality throughout its historic center.

Here, you will find a...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles