In 1772, the residents along the Largo do Postigo das Virtudes presented the municipal council with a request to construct a fountain.[1]
Although there is no indication when the fountain was constructed or completed, by the end of the 18th century, there was already a need to substitute the pre-existing fountain with another.[1]
Architecture
The fountain is flanked by buildings along the Rua das Virtudes in the historic centre of Porto.[1]
The granite fountain is part of a pyramidal obelisk decorated with a sphere recessed within a deep niche of rounded portico, flanked by pilasters.[1] At the base of the obelisk is a tank and over that a semi-circular dish.[1] On each of these elements (the obelisk and the semi-circular dish) are water spouts. The portico served as a shelter as much as a source of water.[1] Over the entablature is a central column with plinth, surmounted by pinnacle. Much of the fountain is decorated with vegetal elements, but also includes a mirror-like circular element on the obelisk.[1]