Fonte Velha
Explore Fonte Velha, Paranaguá's oldest military masonry and a historic water source for indigenous peoples and early settlers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Fonte Velha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Fonte Velha, Paranaguá's oldest military masonry and a historic water source for indigenous peoples and early settlers.
"A protected historical landmark offering a glimpse into Paranaguá's rich past and a popular spot for photos."
Wear comfortable shoes
The historical site may have uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Learn its history
Understand the rich history, from indigenous use to colonial times, for a more meaningful visit. :scroll:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
17th Century Military Masonry
Paranaguá
Explore the oldest military masonry construction in Paranaguá, a testament to colonial engineering and history.
Carijós Indigenous Water Source
Paranaguá
Discover the site's origins as 'Camboa' (good water) for the indigenous Carijós, the first to utilize this natural spring.
Historical Water Reservoir
Paranaguá
See the first reservoir on the coast that supplied water to Paranaguá for over 200 years before piped water arrived.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand its Historical Significance
Best Time for a Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfortable shoes
The historical site may have uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Learn its history
Understand the rich history, from indigenous use to colonial times, for a more meaningful visit. :scroll:
Great for photos
The historical architecture and natural setting make it a popular spot for photography sessions. :camerawithflash:
Check local events
Sometimes used for gatherings, check for local events that might add to the experience. :microphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfortable shoes
The historical site may have uneven terrain, so comfortable footwear is recommended for exploring. :athletic_shoe:
Learn its history
Understand the rich history, from indigenous use to colonial times, for a more meaningful visit. :scroll:
Great for photos
The historical architecture and natural setting make it a popular spot for photography sessions. :camerawithflash:
Check local events
Sometimes used for gatherings, check for local events that might add to the experience. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Fonte Velha to be a historically significant and picturesque site, appreciating its role as an ancient water source and its well-preserved 17th-century military masonry. It's noted as a good spot for photography and a place to gather with friends and family, offering a glimpse into Paranaguá's past.
"Nice place"
Ernesto Peralta
"Patrimônio Histórico tombado também conhecido como Fontinha, Fonte de Cima e Fonte do Camboa. Originalmente uma nascente utilizada no fornecimento de água potável para os índios Carijós, habitantes originais de Paranaguá, que chamavam o local de Camboa, que significa 'água boa'. Não havia outra fonte de água que não fosse salobra ou avermelhada nas proximidades. Quando o europeu invasor saiu da Ilha da Cotinga e chegou no continente passou a utilizar o local como fonte de água potável. Com o aumento da povoação passaram a represar a água e em 1656 ficou pronta a Rua da Fonte, atualmente Rua Conselheiro Sinimbu (que vai da Igreja São Benedito até a Catedral). Com o tempo as pedras que eram usadas como lastro para os navios negreiros foram sendo utilizadas para erguer a construção que existe até hoje, sendo a construção militar em alvenaria mais antiga de Paranaguá. Em 1914 com a inauguração do fornecimento de água encanada (proveniente de um fonte da Serra da Prata, a 12km da cidade) gradualmente encerrou-se o uso da Fontinha, sendo abandonada.
Algumas curiosidades: no subterrâneo da Fonte Velha existe galerias que atravessam a cidade de leste-oeste saindo na localidade de Porto dos Padres. Lendas diziam que os jesuítas se moviam usados esses túneis subterrâneos.
Ainda na questão do fornecimento da cidade: havia uma pequena fonte de água onde hoje é o Museu Arqueológico, de forma que os jesuítas possuíam uma pequena quantidade de água exclusiva para eles. Outro ponto de interesse é o Chafariz de Ferro Fundido que fica na Praça de Eventos 29 de Julho, próxima do Aquário de Paranaguá. O chafariz foi feito pelo escultor francês Mathurin Moreau que tem obras por todo o mundo e marca o inicio da distribuição de água encanada em 1914, e o fim da utilização da Fonte Velha.
Sobre o material de construção e os construtores da Fonte Velha: As pedras que foram usadas foram transportadas por pessoas escravizadas negras para serem usadas como lastros nos navios que traziam esses seres humanos em condições nas quais 40% das pessoas morriam para serem comercializados como coisas (dizem que eram chamados de Peças, por isso existe a Ilha das Peças ao lado da Ilha do Mel, que era o local onde essas pessoas aguardavam sua comercialização). A fonte foi construída usando o trabalho forçado e cruel dessas pessoas. Nomes famosos e ditos importantes da cidade eram aqueles que mantinham esses seres humanos em escravidão, sem dignidade e os forçavam a trabalhar em troca de poder viver ou de não ser torturados. Hoje essas pessoas cruéis dão nomes de várias ruas da cidade enquanto os que colocaram a mão na massa são completamente esquecidos."
Den
"Ótimo local para bater um papo com os amigos e familiares.
Local também é utilizado para ensaios fotográficos de todos os tipos."
Diego Marcelino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fonte Velha is located in Paranaguá, Brazil. Public transportation within the city or a taxi/ride-sharing service is recommended to reach the historical site. Parking availability might be limited, so consider public transport options.
While you can drive near Fonte Velha, parking can be challenging in the historical center. It's often best to park a short distance away and walk to the site.
Walking is the best way to explore Fonte Velha and its surroundings, allowing you to appreciate the historical context and architecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Fonte Velha is a historical landmark and generally accessible to the public without an entrance fee. It's advisable to check for any specific local regulations or if special events require tickets.
As an outdoor historical site, Fonte Velha is typically accessible during daylight hours. However, it's best to confirm any specific operating hours or restrictions with local authorities.
Yes, Fonte Velha can be visited for a short period to appreciate its historical significance and architecture. A quick stop can offer a glimpse into Paranaguá's past.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
At Fonte Velha, you can explore the 17th-century military masonry, learn about its history as an indigenous water source and early reservoir, and enjoy the historical ambiance. It's also a popular spot for photos.
Absolutely! Fonte Velha is a popular location for various types of photo shoots due to its historical architecture and unique setting.
Information on official guided tours might be limited. However, the historical information available on-site or through local tourism resources can enhance your visit.
Fonte Velha is significant as the oldest military masonry construction in Paranaguá, originally serving as a vital water source for indigenous people and early settlers for over two centuries.
📸 📸 Photography
The historical masonry structure itself, the surrounding natural elements, and any preserved architectural details offer excellent photo opportunities at Fonte Velha.
Yes, Fonte Velha is frequently used for professional photo sessions, indicating its suitability for capturing memorable images.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The History of Fonte Velha
For over 200 years, Fonte Velha served as the main water reservoir for the growing village and later the town of Paranaguá. Its importance diminished with the inauguration of piped water supply in 1914, sourced from a spring 12 km away in Serra da Prata, leading to its gradual abandonment. Legends speak of underground galleries beneath Fonte Velha, supposedly used by Jesuits for movement across the city, adding a layer of mystery to its history. The site's construction also carries the heavy legacy of forced labor, a somber reminder of the enslaved people whose efforts built much of the city's infrastructure.
Today, Fonte Velha is appreciated not only for its historical significance but also as a picturesque location. It's a place where friends and families gather, and it remains a popular site for various types of photographic essays. Its enduring presence offers a tangible connection to Paranaguá's foundational history, from its indigenous roots to its colonial development and the challenging narratives of its construction.
Fonte Velha and Paranaguá's Water Infrastructure
The eventual transition to a piped water system in 1914 marked a significant shift, signaling the end of Fonte Velha's primary function. This modern infrastructure, sourced from a distant spring, represented progress and a growing urban population's needs. The contrast between the natural, historically significant Fonte Velha and the engineered, distant water source underscores the evolution of urban planning and resource management over time. The nearby Chafariz de Ferro Fundido, installed in 1914, stands as a symbol of this transition and the end of Fonte Velha's era as the main water provider.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit