Pelican Fountain - Braga

The Pelican Fountain is a Mannerist-Joanine fountain designed by the sculptor Marceliano de Araújo.

The fountain was built between 1741 and 1756 and originally stood in the gardens of the Archbishop's Palace of Braga. Later, the fountain stood for several years in Parque da Ponte , until it was moved to its current location on 30 November 1967 during the mayoralty of Viriato Nunes.

The fountain consists of five bowls arranged in the center by a bowl that is higher than the others and flanked by four smaller bowls, which are crowned by a sculptural group and stand in a quadrangular reservoir , which rests on a circular base that forms two steps. These last two elements were built in the 20th century and were designed by the municipal architect Cortez Marques.

The symbolism is religious, linked to the Legend of the Pelican.

Willem Vandenameele