"Largo de São Mamede" and "Rua de Alconchel" Fountains, in Évora: methodological notes on their recovery and the unveiling, conservation and restoration of mural painting

In order to protect the hydraulic heritage of A‰vora, a restoration project was carried on eighteen structures with different typologies (wall fountains, free standing fountains, drinking fountains) characterized by their diversity in historical value and state of conservation. The main objectives of this work promoted by the Municipality of A‰vora and developed by the company Nova ConservaA§A£o, Lda. were the conservation, restoration and reactivation of these structures in order to give them back to the public. This paper presents the methodologies for their recovering. A particular emphasis was given to the fountains of "Largo de SA£o Mamede" and, specially, of "Rua de Alconchel" due to the discovery of decorative mural paintings made using fresco techniques (feigned marbles) underneath layers of lime wash.