Fountains in Azeitão

The charming wine-producing town of Azeitão, between Lisbon and Setubal, has a number of lovely fountains (chafariz in Portuguese). A free map from the tourist office (turismo) near where buses arrive from Coina Station lists them.

Pasmados Fountain

Chafariz dos Pasmados

The first one you will see is also probably the most beautiful. It is Pasmados Fountain (Chafariz dos Pasmados) opposite the Igreja de São Lourenço. It was built between 1764 and 1777 as part of a poverty relief scheme. The fountain bears the coat of arms of King José I. The name translates as "Fountain of the Stunned" so-called as visitors are left "stunned" by the fountain's beauty.

Igreja de São Lourenço

The Igreja de São Lourenço is the town's main church. It dates back to the 16th century. It was damaged but repaired after the Earthquake of 1755. The plain exterior belies the richness of the interior complete with 18th century azulejos tile work showing scenes from the Old Testament and the life of São Lourenço (Saint Lawrence). There is also earlier 16th century tile work and a beautiful marble altar with ornate wood and gold leaf carvings.

Also on this side of the road is the Sabores e Encantos de Azeitão, a restaurant on the site of the old public laundry (Lavadouros). It serves both coffee and local wines along with superb cheeses and hams from the area.

Pasmados Fountain

Sabores e Encantos de Azeitão

Chafariz de Aldeia Rica

Heading west down the main road, Rua José Augusto Coelho, there are several more fountains. The first one is the Chafariz de Aldeia Rica at the junction of Rua Fisco. This is another lovely fountain done in white and yellow paint work with seats to escape the sun and relax.

Chafariz de Aldeia Rica

Chafariz de Oleiros

Walk west again and you will come to the Chafariz de Oleiros at the intersection of Rua Manuel Jorge from the north. This is the last of the fountains in town. This has period tile work showing uniformed soldiers and a Roman era engraved stone. There is also a now disused public laundry here that once made use of the water supply.