Public fountains are anthropogenic elements of the landscape that once supplied water for everyday life. Apart from their function, they acted as lively social gathering spots with deep cultural resonance. Today, they are regarded as minor yet significant tangible elements of cultural heritage and are protected by Greek legislation and international conventions. The vernacular mountain settlement of Lagadia in Arcadia is celebrated for its inhabitants, the renowned Lagadian stonemasons. Among the characteristic elements of its public spaces are the stone-built fountains that bear the unmistakable imprint of local artisans. Though modern water supplies have largely supplanted their function, the squares that cradle these fountains -within striking natural scenery- continue to serve as informal oases of rest and social interaction for both locals and visitors. Drawing on fieldwork that combined direct observation, careful documentation and oral testimonies, this research highlights the settlement’s most noteworthy fountains. It examines their principal morphological characteristics, surveys the surrounding natural environment and explores their integration into the landscape. To maintain the historic character of Lagadia, protect and preserve both the tangible and intangible facets of its legacy, and highlight the settlement’s identity, this paper argues for promoting and sustainably utilising the traditional fountains by establishing a dedicated cultural route. This research aims to craft a framework for assessing and sustainably preserving fragile heritage landscapes.
Keywords: Fountains, Cultural heritage, Heritage landscapes