Biquinha de Anchieta, Historic water fountain in São Vicente, Brazil

Biquinha de Anchieta is a water fountain featuring three lion-shaped spouts set against a cliff face with decorative mosaic tiles. The structure combines functional water flow with artistic surface details carved into the natural rock face.

The fountain was built in 1553 and served as one of São Vicente's main water sources for centuries. Jesuit priest José de Anchieta drank from it and catechized indigenous people there. Its facade was erected in 1850 and has been renovated several times since, and the fountain is now listed by the municipal heritage council CONDEPHASV.

The tile mosaic on the wall depicts Father José de Anchieta catechizing the region's indigenous peoples, a scene presented in a romanticized way. The panel is a modern addition to the fountain, not a colonial work. The name "Biquinha" is the diminutive of "bica", the spout the fountain is known for.

The fountain stands in São Vicente, at the foot of a stone wall with three lion-shaped spouts; the tiled mosaic panel sits above them. The site is listed by the municipal heritage council CONDEPHASV. The wall has been renovated several times since 1850 and has suffered vandalism, so check the condition of the tiles before planning a close look.

The azulejo mosaic on the wall shows a romanticised scene of Father Anchieta catechising the region's indigenous peoples; it is a later addition to the 1553 spring, not part of the original fountain. Look for the three lion-shaped spouts below it.