Lavadouro

The communal wash house was traditionally aa gathering point for the female community of any village in Portugal. There, women would talk about everything which would matter. Arranging marriages, discussing family issues, debating community conflicts and, of ourse, gossiping.

This wash house was built in 1890, on the spot where a spring would provide fresh water to the inhabitants of Estoi. The fountain around the corner was built by then, as well as a place for the beasts to drink water and several washing station in the wash house.

In 2011 the local parish proceeded with renovation works and what we can see now is the result of such investment. In a plate we can read the names of some of the women who took the job of washing for the community.