First mentions of fountains XVe siècle (≈ 1550)
Municipal archives refer to their use for livestock.
3 mars 1596
Municipal decree on fountains
Municipal decree on fountains 3 mars 1596 (≈ 1596)
No washing to preserve water.
XVIIe siècle
Construction of four fountains
Construction of four fountains XVIIe siècle (≈ 1750)
Following the discovery of a source.
1928
Registration as a historical monument
Registration as a historical monument 1928 (≈ 1928)
Official protection of the fountain.
1936
Added "les-Fontaines" to name
Added "les-Fontaines" to name 1936 (≈ 1936)
Recognition of the hydraulic heritage.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Key figures
Information non disponible - No characters cited in the sources
Archives mention anonymous consuls.
Origin and history
The fountain of the Porte-Neuve, located at Pernes-les-Fontaines in the Vaucluse, dates from the 18th century. This monument is part of an ancient local tradition: the first records of fountains in the city date back to the 15th century, with archives attesting to their use in drinking cattle. In 1596, a municipal decree forbids washing laundry in order to preserve the cleanliness of water, illustrating their central role in everyday life.
In the 17th century, the discovery of a spring near the chapel Saint-Roch prompted the municipality to build four new fountains, marking the beginning of a lasting enthusiasm for these works. This attachment culminated in 1936, when the city officially added "Les-Fontaines" to its name. The fountain of the Porte-Neuve, protected since 1928, embodies this hydraulic heritage that shaped the identity of Pernes.
Classified as a historical monument, this fountain is today a symbol of the forty fountains that spread the town. Its 18th century architecture and its inscription as historic monuments in 1928 underline its importance, both aesthetically and historically. It remains a testimony of the social practices and community needs related to water throughout the centuries.
