Fountain of the Lions

The Fountain of the Lions in Gomes Teixeira Square is a bronze sculpture cast in 1886 featuring four lions surrounding a central cruciform support structure. The composition includes two circular basins where water flows from ornamental cornets and culminates in a pine cone finial at the top.

The fountain was cast by the French Val d'Osne foundry in 1886 as part of Porto's initiative to build a modern water distribution system. Its installation marked a significant moment in the city's urban development and infrastructure expansion.

The four lions holding shields of the city coat of arms make this fountain a symbol of civic pride that locals pass by daily. You can see how the structure anchors the square as a gathering point where people naturally congregate.

The fountain sits beside the University of Porto and Igreja do Carmo and remains accessible throughout the day without entrance fees. The surrounding square offers seating areas and is easily reached by public transport.

The design draws inspiration from a fountain in Leicester, England, blending French casting techniques with Italian and Portuguese style influences. This cross-border composition reflects Porto's cosmopolitan approach to modernization in the 1800s.

Location: Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória

Inception: January 1, 1886

Made from material: bronze, granite

GPS coordinates: 41.14714,-8.61559

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:43