PORTLAND'S FOUNTAINS

Why Water Fountains?

In every country we have visited on our travels, we always discovered beautiful and tranquil fountains. Right here in Portland, Oregon the city is filled with fountains. Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How did they build them? Unlock their secrets and ponder their history as you wind your way through this bustling area of the city on a 2.6 mile, self guided tour. Download a self-guided tour of downtown Portland’s Fountains and begin your journey into history.

History shows early evidence from pictures drawn on the walls of Egyptian tombs that garden fountains existed in the ancient Middle East. The fountains were rectangular with trees lining the edges. The shade trees and sparkling crisp water provided a cool place to escape the hot sun.

The Persians, enclosed their gardens and fountain pools. Bathing rituals were important to the Romans and so they put public baths in gardens with fountains. In the hot deserts of the Middle East, pools and fountains provided relief from the heat as we discovered in our travels to the Dead Sea!

Similar garden fountains and pools were built in Spain before the 15th century and in 17th and 18th-century in India. In China, architecture was often centered on a courtyard which included pools. Japan also has many gardens inspired by those in China. During the Renaissance period in Italy, gardens became more complex and used spouting fountains and waterfalls. Other versions of the Italian Renaissance gardens began to appear throughout Europe.

In the late 18th century, gardens were designed to look like the wilderness. Rivers and ponds were placed haphazardly with scattered trees and shrubs to look more natural. In the 20th century, in warmer climates, gardens were often continued inside a house. Many architects use fountains to incorporate nature into their designs. Indoor pools and water fountains began appearing in shopping malls, office buildings, and homes. Even at the Fulton House we have a wonderful koi pond and waterfall in the backyard.

During your journey discovering Portland's Fountains, don't forget to send me pictures of yourself in front of your favorite fountain and we will highlight you on our Fulton House Bed & Breakfast Facebook page!