In order to tell you about the fountain-drinking troughs of Sociedade Protectora dos Animais (an animal welfare organisation) we must first talk about the person whose name has been given to one of the most beautiful streets of Lisbon.
Júlio de Andrade wasn’t just an important member of the upper bourgeoisie of Lisbon of the end of the 19th century. His mark is highlighted by his role as a founding member of the Sociedade Protectora dos Animais in 1875.
This is an institution that still today has a fundamental role in the protection and promotion of the adoption of abandoned animals, as well as in the provision of veterinary care at more affordable prices to its members.
Get to know Lisbon’s historic neighbourhoods in a guided tour and discover unmissable places of this magnificent city.
The Fountain-drinking Troughs
In 1882, Júlio de Andrade had the idea of providing to the city of Lisbon in the name of the Sociedade Protectora dos Animais, fountain-drinking troughs for animals. Seeing that at that time the transportation of people and goods was made by cars and horse drawn carriages, the need for these drinking fountains was evident.
In a first instance, were offered three, imported from Paris, that were situated in Corpo Santo Square, in Praça do Comércio and in Santa Apolónia.
All the drinking troughs had the same typology, a cast iron column with three shell-shaped basins. To complete, a frame with a sign that appealed to the care of the animals and the reference to the Sociedade Protectora dos Animais and to the meritorious Júlio de Andrade.
In 1889 were donated four more identical fountain-drinking troughs, this time fabricated by the Empreza Industrial Portugueza, placed in Rua de São Bento, in Igreja de São Roque Square, in Pátio do Regedor near Rossio and in Arco do Cego.
With time, were installed seven more, being in total fourteen. From these, we know that there’s one in Anunciada Square, other in Rua Gomes Freire, in Avenida António Augusto de Aguiar and finally in Príncipe Real Garden.
Today there are only two left, the one in Santa Apolónia, having its location slightly changed and the one in Príncipe Real Garden. They’re still working, but its state of conservation isn’t at its best.
We want to believe that the autarchy won’t let these curious and beautiful exemplars of urban equipment from the 19th century disappear. Who knows? They could even replace some fountain-drinking troughs that have survived and are abandoned in the warehouses of the City Council.
| Never miss another article | Subscribe here |
We call upon everyone to value and not let this interesting heritage of Lisbon die, a pioneer contribution to the respect for animals and their well-being.
The project getLISBON has been very rewarding and we want to continue revealing the singularities of fascinating Lisbon.
Help us keep this project alive!
By using these links to make your reservations you’ll be supporting us. With no extra costs!
• Look up the best hotels on Booking.com and get 15% or more off!
• Looking for a different experience? We can create a customised itinerary based on your interests. Contact us!
• Or if you prefer tours and other activities in various destinations, take a look at GetYourGuide.
• Save time and money with a flexible Lisbon Card!
