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.
In the 16th century, Father José de Anchieta used a natural spring at this location to teach catechism and Portuguese to indigenous peoples. The visible artistic features were added later in the 20th century to preserve this historical connection.
The terracotta relief artwork installed in 1943 shows Father Anchieta's work teaching indigenous groups during colonial times. Visitors can see how these artworks represent the historical relationships between the people who lived here.
This fountain sits in the central plaza of São Vicente and remains accessible throughout the day without entry fees. The location is easy to reach on foot and offers a quiet spot to examine the historical details up close.
The fountain was shaped in 1943 with special mosaic tiles that blend Portuguese artistic traditions with Brazilian elements. Many visitors overlook this decoration while focusing only on the water function of the fountain.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
