Chafariz de São José

Welcome to the São José Fountain, a true gem of Baroque architecture in Tiradentes. Built in 1749 by the initiative of the Senate of the Chamber of the Village of São José, this fountain is not just a source of water, but a deeply rooted historical and cultural landmark in the city's identity.

This fountain is of the parietal type, strategically positioned in the center of a wide courtyard surrounded by low walls, which serves as a meeting and resting place for the local population and visitors. The structure is supported by a wall that acts as a buttress arch and is adorned with Baroque elements, including two pilasters with a cornice and a curved pediment with volutes and pinnacles, culminating in a cross at its apex.

The São José Fountain is especially notable for its three distinct faces, each with a specific function: one side serves as a watering trough for animals, another as a washing point for laundresses, and the main tank, equipped with three spouts adorned with carved grotesque faces, provides drinking water for the population. The spouts are framed by blue decorations and in the middle of a niche closed by a gate, it houses a rare image of São José, protected under the coat of arms of Portugal.

Imagem: Reprodução

This place is more than just a public utility; it's a space for social interaction and a landmark for the community. The presence of stone benches allows visitors and locals to enjoy moments of rest and contemplation while appreciating the beauty and tranquility of the environment.

The fountain is also a testament to the engineering and design of its time, designed not only to be functional but also aesthetically pleasing, reflecting the rich Baroque tradition of Minas Gerais. Every detail, from the sculpted figures on the spouts to the embedded symbolism in its structure, tells a part of Tiradentes' history.

I invite you to explore this historic landmark, to feel the freshness of the water that still flows from its spouts today, and to imagine the many generations that have come here over the centuries, making this fountain a central point in the life of the city.

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