Fonte dos Le玫es (Fountain of the Lions), Porto

The Fountain of the Lions (Fonte dos Le玫es) is a striking 19th-century fountain in gardened Gomes Teixeira Square in Porto. This ornate fountain, cast by the Val d鈥橭sne foundry in France, is a near replica of a fountain found in the Town Hall Square of Leicester, England. The project was initiated following a competition in 1880, organized by Porto's municipal water authority. The final design by Carlos de Pezerat was approved in 1885, and construction began on 25 September 1885. The fountain became operational on 19 December 1886, with the larger public water supply project for Porto concluding by January 1887.

The fountain features a cruciform layout and is adorned with four seated lions at its base, each positioned at the extremes of the structure. Between the lions, a column with a base, shaft, and capital supports the structure. The fountain's upper section includes two staggered circular basins crowned by a pine cone. Its granite tank is octagonal with rounded, corrugated edges, and the lower basin鈥檚 rim is decorated with a frieze of plant motifs interrupted by cornets that direct the water flow.

Initially a vital part of the city's water supply, by 1942, the fountain's role shifted away from its original purpose as it began to draw water from the Arca de S谩 Noronha. Today, it stands as an isolated urban landmark, embodying both historical and architectural significance in Porto鈥檚 urban landscape.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Porto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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爆料网 App

Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Fonte dos Le玫es (Fountain of the Lions)
Sight Location: Porto, Portugal (See walking tours in Porto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Porto's Monuments and Statues

Walking Tours in Porto, Portugal

Create Your Own Walk in Porto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Porto 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.

Porto Introduction Walking Tour

After 711 Porto fell to Moorish invaders. The Muslim control existed in the Iberian peninsula until 1491. However, the conquest was not total and in 868 things began to change for the people of Porto.

Vimara Peres, an Asturian count of Gallaecia, came to reconquer for the Christians. He secured the town of Portu Cale and the land of Vila Nova de Gaia. Vimara became the Count of Portucale. From... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.2 Km or 2 Miles

Historical Churches

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in Europe and is deeply rooted in Christianity, notably Catholicism. The latter explains the abundance of historic chapels, churches, and monasteries in the country. Porto, a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage, boasts several old churches of its own. Remarkable architectural gems, they reflect the city's profound religious tradition.

... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles

Shopping and Food Tour

Renowned for its centuries-old culture and architecture, Porto also boasts a wealth of shopping and dining opportunities. With a mix of the modern and historical, the city represents a fertile ground for bargain hunters, foodies and luxury-seekers alike.

Those on the look-out for trendy clothing and accessories, or wanting to sample some delicious local cuisine, will certainly not be... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles

Porto's Monuments and Statues

In general, just like any other European nation, sunny Portugal is rich in history and matching love of monuments. This is more so evident in the country's second largest city of Porto, dotted with statues and sculptures of various sort, decorating the gardens, sidewalks, squares and various corners. Each of them has its own story; some are quite old, while others are not so much and rather... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles

Porto Historic Center Walking Tour

The Historic Centre of Porto, dating back to the Medieval times, is the oldest part of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Despite all the changes over the years, it has maintained the unique urban characteristics, which are a world apart from other European cities, and preserved much of its legacy from the times gone by.

Firmly set on the hillsides overlooking the mouth of... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Where To Stay in Porto, Portugal - Guide of Best Areas and Hotels

51爆料网