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The Moorish Fountain & the Fountain of the Small Birds in Sintra

The Moorish Fountain

This beautiful fountain is located on the main road between the train station and the Sintra National Palace, only five minutes walk away from the palace. It was built in 1922 by the master sculptor of Sintra, José da Fonseca.

 

The Moorish Fountain is built on the Islamic architecture (Arabic inspiration). Due to the Islamic influence and style, this mountain was named ‘the Moorish Fountain’. Azulejos (comes from Arabic word zellige) are famous to decorate the historical monuments in Portugal and this fountain was no exception.

An artist poses in front of the Moorish Fountain, Sintra
Facade of the Moorish Fountain
Andalusian arches add a blend of art and beauty to this monument
A closer look at the one of the arches
One of the columns which support the arches
A seal at the facade of the fountain - it depicts a castle or palace

 

Its decoration is Arab in inspiration, with neo mudejar azulejos, painted plasterwork and sculptured decoration. The Moorish Fountain is now recognised as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This lady was part of the Festival de Estatuas Vivas (Living Statues Festival) held in Sintra
The artist was dressed up as a medieval princess
Interior of the Fonte Mourisca
It is very simple yet elegant fountain
Tile work used at the Moorish Fountain
Interior of the fountain
 
Fountain of the Small Birds (Fonte dos Passarinhos)

Fountain of the Small Birds (Fonte dos Passarinhos in Portuguese) is located inside a park which is part of the National Pena Palace. Dome of the fountain is built in the Persian style and it has Arabic written on it.

 

It praises the return of Vasco da Gama and D. Manual is addressed as Sultan. Iron bars at the front of the fountain are decorated with the crescent (a typical symbol in Islam). This fountain was built in the 19th century, in the past and even still today is used to drink water. 

Exterior of Fountain of the Small Birds (Fonte dos Passarinhos in Portuguese)
Tile work on the exterior of the fountain
Iron bars at the front of the fountain
Dome of the fountain is built in the Persian style and it has Arabic written on it
The water was flowing into a small pool
Interior of the Fountain of the Small Birds, Sintra, Portugal
A bench made of concrete was placed in front of the fountain
Plants and area around the Fountain of the Small Birds
It was a rainy day and whole area was covered in clouds