Holy Water Fonts of Portugal

The scallop shell has been the iconic symbol of the pilgrim on a journey since the Middle Ages, possibly because pilgrims often carried such shells for drinking water or eating food.  This marble font is from a cathedral in Fatima, Portugal, on the site where three children in 1917 experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary.

Also from a cathedral in Fatima, Portugal.  The scallop resembles the setting sun, therefore a destination in westernmost Spain for pilgrims on the "El Camino," or Pilgrim's Way.

From the Dominican Monastery at Batalha, Portugal, built to celebrate the Portuguese victory over the Castilians in 1385.  This represents a Gothic style with Moorish influence.

Batalha Monastery

 A simple font from a small chapel in Nazare, Portugal, 11th century

11th century, Nazare, Portugal.

 This freestanding font is from St. Dominic's Cathedral in Lisbon, built in the 13th century.

From an 8th century Moorish Cathedral in Lisbon