Fonte Nova meaning a new source (of water in this case) or new fountain:
We have been staying in the heart of the old town of São Bras de Arpotel for a week now and saw the directions to Fonte Nova a few times but hadn't visited it. Yesterday, after a late lunch decided it was time to give my lazy legs some exercise and also find out what it is.
We have seen sign boards called Fonte while on our travels through Algarve and came to understand that though the literal translation could be a fountain, it can also apply to a ground water source such as a spring, or a well or a stream.
2014 was the centenary year of São Bras de Arpotel Municipality, established in 1914. As part of centenary celebration, the new fountain, landscaping around the fountain, the clothes washing space, the covered tanks etc. were built.
Fonte Nova is situated at the edge of the old part of São Bras de Arpotel. From there the road goes winding down.
Earlier, people would take their washing to a water source and wash their clothes. Traditional way of washing was to soak the clothes in soap water or wet the garment and apply soap and hit the garment on a flat stone slab. Stone slabs are built for a standing person and a small tank for water for every Washerman. In the centre is a long high tank of water and on either side are these stone slabs for washermen.
People visit as part of tourist attraction or a place to spend with kids or for a picnic. It also lends itself for small events with the sound of water in the background.
The views are spectacular from the spring and from the washing area, that of mountains in the distance, dotted with houses. Located on the slope looks down into the valley, the place is serene and pretty.
I am going to spend some more time there, perhaps sketching o reading a book or on a cloudy day, sit on a wooden bench under a tree and enjoy the views.
