Chafariz do Castelo (Castle Fountain), Braga

Dating back to the year 1723, the Castle Fountain is a testament to the city's rich heritage and architectural finesse. The fountain is renowned for its intricate and decorative design. It reflects the Baroque style prevalent during the 18th century, characterized by its exuberant ornamentation and attention to detail. The crowning feature of the fountain is a feminine figure positioned at the top. This figure is considered a symbolic representation of the city of Braga.

The fountain owes its existence to Rodrigo de Moura Teles (1644-1728), an archbishop of Braga. It was commissioned by him and stands as a testament to his architectural patronage. Moura Teles played a significant role in the cultural and architectural development of the city during his time.

The Castle Fountain gets its name from the unique design of its spouts. Each of the six spouts resembles a castle, lending a distinctive character to the fountain. Beneath the castle-shaped spouts, the fountain is adorned with classical putti figures. These cherubic sculptures are depicted as holding up the spouts, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the period. At the very top of the fountain's pinnacle, above the feminine figure, you can find an iron armillary sphere. This celestial globe, along with a patriarchal cross, adds further symbolism and religious elements to the fountain's design.

The Castle Fountain shares ithe square with the Archbishop's Palace, the rectory building of the University of Minho (Universidade do Minho), and the Braga Public Library and Municipal Archive. This setting enhances the overall historical and cultural ambiance of the fountain's location.