The obelisk-like fountain with ornate dish and vegetal/zoomorphic decorative elementsThe ornate dish with decorative carrancas and waterspouts
In the 18th century, Nicolau Nasoni was charged with a project to integrate a group of decorative elements into the gardens of Quinta da Prelada, then-property of the Noronha e Meneses family.[1]
Following the purchase of Quinta da Prelada by the municipal authority of Porto in the 20th century, the fountain was de-constructed and transferred to the garden of Passeio Alegre located along the mouth of the northern bank of the Douro.[1]
On 15 April 2008, there was a proposal by the DRCNorte to establish a Special Protection Zone that included the fountain of Foz Velha, Dois Obeliscos da Quinta da Prelada, Forte de São João Baptista, Igreja de São João Baptista e Zona do Passeio Alegre and revoking the ZEP for the Torre, Farol e Capela de São Miguel-o-Anjo the church of São João Baptista and the garden of Passeio Alegre.[1][2] On 12 September 2011, a new proposal was executed by the DRCNorte to classify the group of structures and buildings, that included the fountain.[1]
Architecture
The fountain is located in the Garden of Passeio Alegre, a large, dense garden/park situated on the northern bank and mouth of the Douro River.[1] It is situated at the western limit of the park close to the intersection of Rua D. Luís Filipe and Rua do Passeio Alegre, nearby a Swiss-type Chalet café.[1]
The fusiform column with dish and four carrancas that act as spouts to a larger dish, in the form of a cloverleaf.[1] The fountain is mounted on a small platform preceded by three stairs.[1] The column is decorated with vegetal and zoomorphic sculptures throughout and topped by a sphere and flame-like sculpted burst.[1]
