Public Source

The public source was built in the second half of the 19th century, at the top of Via Principe Umberto, by local workers with the aim of making the nearby spring water accessible to the population.

The structure has a regular planimetry and a masonry in well squared limestone cantons, arranged on regular courses with thick joints in lime mortar. The façade is enriched by a shallow niche, surmounted by an unloading arch, while the adjective cornice conceals the timpane profile of the two-phalt roof.

Originally, the water flows directly from two cannulas placed on the masks, giving the structure a simple but elegant monumentality. After the demolition of the old washbasin, initially located next to the source, the collection tank, preceded by three steps, was still used as a washing machine.

The problem of water supply and water quality has always been central to Muros. The start of the aqueduct in 1924 and the laying of new water pipelines in 1952 eliminated the long rows in front of the fountains, however, leading to their progressive abandonment.

Le Funtanas: Sorgenti e Idronimi di Muros

The importance of water supplies for the Muros community is evident in the local toponomastic, which preserves a rich swamp of hydronomes. Some significant examples include:

• Badu'e Carru →
• Caminu de s’Ena →
• Sa Funtana de la Furraghe
• Funtana S’Adde
• Funtana and Casu
• Swimming pool and Pedru
• S’Abba Ruja →

According to the hydrogeological census conducted between 1964 and 1968, the territory of Muros is crossed by seventeen sources, both seasonal and perennial, with courses ranging from a few liters to tens of litres per minute.

Almost all the sources mentioned derive from the same structural condition, which occurs at the point of contact between rocks of different permeability. Among the most important are:

• Funtana Oroppo
• Source Retturas
• Sources of Pedru Soro and San Leonardo
• Sources of Badde Ivos and Monte Terras