fountain · Sabará, MG
Chafariz do Kaquende
Built in 1757, it has supplied the town with water for more than two centuries and is one of the landmarks of the historic center. The facade still shows traces of the Portuguese coat of arms, torn off after Independence.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Chafariz do Kaquende
The Chafariz do Kaquende is the best-known fountain in Sabará. It stands on a stone-paved street in the historic center, surrounded by colonial houses and whitewashed walls. It is a quick but almost essential stop on a walking tour of the town.
It was built in 1757, when public fountains were the main source of water in the gold towns. The water comes from a spring on the Morro de São Francisco (hill) and flows to the spouts through a closed channel. After Independence, the Portuguese coat of arms was removed from the facade. The fountain is protected as a historic heritage site.
The structure is simple: a pediment topped with a cross, a stone medallion with a coat of arms, two spouts and a stone basin worn by time. It is one of the few old fountains in Sabará that still flow with water.
The fountain is steeped in tradition. Local legend says that whoever drinks the water of the Kaquende will one day return to Sabará, and many visitors make a point of wetting their hands or tasting the water because of it. Access is from the street, with no steps, but the stone paving is uneven.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
10 to 20 minutes, enough to see the fountain and photograph the street.
Best time
In the morning, on dry days in fall and winter, when the light is soft and the Minas sky is usually clear.
How to get there
It is on Rua do Kaquende, in downtown Sabará, in the Belo Horizonte metropolitan area. From the historic center, you can walk there in a few minutes; the street is narrow and has little parking.
Tip
Combine the visit with a walk around the churches and mansions of the historic center, and wear comfortable shoes, because the streets are stone-paved and steep.
A look at the place
Chafariz do Kaquende in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Chafariz do Kaquende
What is the legend of the Chafariz do Kaquende?
Sabará's popular tradition says that whoever drinks the water of the Kaquende will one day return to the town.
When was the Chafariz do Kaquende built?
In 1757, during the gold era in Minas Gerais. After Independence, the Portuguese coat of arms was removed from the facade.
Where is the Chafariz do Kaquende?
On Rua do Kaquende, in downtown Sabará (MG), a few minutes' walk from the historic center.
Where does the water of the Chafariz do Kaquende come from?
From a spring on the Morro de São Francisco (hill), carried to the spouts through a closed channel.
Do I have to pay to see the Chafariz do Kaquende?
No. The fountain is on the street and the visit is free.