Fonte do Ribeirão (São Luís): history, tunnels and legends

Published on April 27, 2022 · Updated on October 24, 2026

Home » Maranhão Travel Guide » Fonte do Ribeirão (São Luís): history, galleries and legends

The Fonte do Ribeirão (Ribeirão Fountain) is one of the tourist attractions in São Luís most loved by the ludovicenses (people of São Luís) themselves. Built in 1796 in the Historic Centre, it once supplied the city with water. Today, besides being a postcard view, it also holds underground galleries, five stone carrancas (carved stone faces/masks) and the famous legend of the Serpente Encantada (Enchanted Serpent).

Quick summary – Fonte do Ribeirão

Where it is: Historic Centre of São Luís, between Rua dos Afogados and Rua do Ribeirão.
Construction: 1796, under the government of Dom Fernando Antônio de Noronha.
Highlights: five carrancas with bronze spouts, a statue of Neptune and a blue pediment.
Galleries: tunnels about 2 m wide and 2 m high, now closed to visitors.
Legend: this is said to be where the head of the Serpente Encantada, which sleeps beneath the island, lies.
Visit: open space, great for photos.

Fonte do Ribeirão in São Luís do Maranhão

History of the Fonte do Ribeirão

The fountain was built in 1796, during the government of Lieutenant Colonel Dom Fernando Antônio de Noronha. At the time, the aim was therefore to improve sanitation in the area as well as the quality of the water consumed by the population.

Over time, however, it lost its role of supplying the city, just like other fountains in the capital. More than 200 years later, it became a backdrop for tourists’ photos and a beloved symbol of the city. For this reason, the city hall carried out a long restoration before giving it back to the population.

Old image of the Fonte do Ribeirão in São Luís do Maranhão

In addition, the fountain is part of the Historic Centre of São Luís, recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1997. To understand the whole ensemble, also see the history and architecture of São Luís.

Video about the Fonte do Ribeirão

História da Fonte do Ribeirão em São Luís do Maranhão

Architecture: carrancas, Neptune and pediment

The fountain stands in a wide courtyard paved with pedras de cantaria (dressed stone) and is protected by masonry walls. At the back, the sky-blue façade has a pediment with pagan and Christian symbols, such as the pomba do Divino (Holy Spirit dove). At the top, in turn, stands a stone statue of Neptune.

Pediment and Neptune statue of the Fonte do Ribeirão in São Luís

The current statue, however, is a replica: the original is kept by IPHAN to prevent vandalism. Below the pediment, three barred windows give access to the underground galleries. Moreover, there are two ornate pilasters on the sides.

Finally, the main highlight is the five carrancas made of stone, shaped like fish and gods. Through the bronze spouts, the water falls into a basin and then drains through a channel that crosses the entire courtyard.

Carrancas of the Fonte do Ribeirão in São Luís

Inside: the underground galleries

Behind the barred windows, there are galleries about two metres wide and two metres high. In the past, they were open to visitors; currently, however, they are closed.

According to popular tradition, the tunnels connected the fountain to the city’s churches. Thus, priests and friars could move around without being seen. However, this story has never been proven and is part of the ludovicense imagination.

The legend of the Serpente Encantada

The Fonte do Ribeirão also appears in one of the city’s most famous legends, that of the Serpente Encantada. According to the myth, a giant serpent sleeps beneath the island of São Luís, and its head lies precisely there. In fact, some people claim to have already seen the great serpent’s red eyes. To discover other stories, see the historical curiosities about São Luís.

Where it is and how to visit

Address: Rua dos Afogados, at the corner of Rua do Ribeirão, in the Historic Centre of São Luís.
Access: it is just a few minutes’ walk from Avenida Beira-Mar and Ponte José Sarney.
Visit: the courtyard is open; however, the galleries cannot be visited.
Tip: combine the visit with Rua do Giz and the façade tiles.

Frequently asked questions about the Fonte do Ribeirão

Where is the Fonte do Ribeirão?

It is in the Historic Centre of São Luís, between Rua dos Afogados and Rua do Ribeirão.

In other words, it is near Avenida Beira-Mar.

When was the Fonte do Ribeirão built?

In 1796, under the government of Dom Fernando Antônio de Noronha.

Therefore, it is more than 200 years old.

Can you go into the galleries?

No. The galleries were once open to visitors, but today they are closed.

Even so, you can see them through the barred windows.

What is the legend of the Fonte do Ribeirão?

According to the legend of the Serpente Encantada, the head of the sleeping monster lies beneath the fountain.

In addition, it is said that tunnels connected the fountain to the churches.

How many carrancas does the fountain have?

There are five stone carrancas, shaped like fish and gods.

From them, the water flows out through bronze spouts.

Written by Willy Sievert

Editor of Bahia.ws since its founding in 2009. Based in Salvador, he travels frequently across the Northeast and all of Brazil to keep the guides up to date. Learn more about Willy Sievert →