Escadorio dos Cinco Sentidos (Staircase of the Five Senses), Braga

The Staircase of the Five Senses was conceived under the patronage of Archbishop D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, although he did not live to see its completion, passing away on September 4, 1728.

The staircase is a captivating allegorical creation, consisting of five flights of stairs, each associated with one of the five human senses: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, and Touch. Separating each flight of stairs are landings adorned with allegorical fountains. They are intricately designed to represent each of the five senses in the following order:

Sight: The Fountain of Vision features a statue that emits water from its eyes and holds glasses in its left hand. Three eagles gaze at the sun.

Hearing: The Fountain of Hearing showcases a figure that releases water through the ears, accompanied by three ox heads. Three statues on the landing depict individuals playing musical instruments, including a zither, harp, and lyre.

Smell: The Fountain of Smell includes a figure pouring water through its nose while holding an open box. Statues of Noah, with a lamb, and another figure are placed on the landing.

Taste: The Fountain of Taste portrays a figure pouring water from its mouth and holding an apple. Two monkeys accompany this central figure.

Touch: The Fountain of Tacto features a figure with a jug held by two hands, releasing water and symbolic spiders. The central statue represents Solomon, holding a scepter.