Chafariz do Largo de Camões, Historic fountain in Ponte de Lima, Portugal
The Chafariz do Largo de Camões is a historic stone fountain in the town of Ponte de Lima, in the Viana do Castelo region of Portugal. It stands in an open square in the town center, with carved stone details and a spout that feeds a large basin below.
The fountain was built in the late 1500s and completed around 1603, serving as the town's only official water source at the time. In 1929, it was moved from its original location near one of the town walls to its current position in the square.
The square where the fountain stands is used by locals for gatherings and events, making it a living part of the town's daily life. A stone inscription placed near the fountain once listed the rules and fines for anyone who dirtied the water, showing how seriously the community protected this shared resource.
The fountain is easy to reach on foot from the surrounding streets and the open square. Visiting during daylight gives the best view of the carved stone details.
The fountain is attributed to João Lopes, the Younger, a craftsman known for working on several similar structures across the region. Its water originally came from a spring called Merim, which supplied the whole town.
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