Clock Tower

Category: Civil Architecture > Clock Tower

District: Beja > Moura > Amareleja

Location

The Clock Tower plays a central role in the urban landscape of Amareleja, standing out in Praça da República. Its presence is striking in the vast Alentejo plain, giving the village an unmistakable landmark. As you stroll through the square, the tower emerges as a singular element, visible from various points in the locality and its surroundings, asserting itself as a visual marker of the land.

A History of Popular Construction

The origin of the Clock Tower dates back to the early 19th century, when the population of Amareleja united to finance the construction of what would be a new church. However, construction proceeded in phases and with intermittent momentum, driven by the community, but never fully completed. This phased process left visible marks on the structure, narrating a story of persistence. In 1833, during a cholera epidemic, its interior served provisionally as a burial site, adding an unexpected and moving layer to its already rich history.

Architecture and its Transformations

The architecture of the Clock Tower is a testament to the various interventions over time. The different stone-laying techniques, as well as the design of the arches and openings, are visible, revealing the hands that erected it. In a more recent intervention, aimed at its completion and roofing, the interior was cleaned and painted white, enhancing the original texture of the walls. On the exterior, the introduction of a corten steel roof created a modern dialogue with the landscape, developing a patina that integrates with time. A notable aspect of its requalification was the choice of exterior colors: after consulting the population, a scheme was chosen that combines Amarelo Alentejo with Vermelho Málaga, shades very present in Amareleja, underscoring the tower's connection to the local identity.

A Symbol of the Community

More than a construction, the Clock Tower represents a strong bond between Amareleja and its people. Its central presence in the village and the way the community participated, over the centuries, in its construction and in decisions about its identity, make it a true collective heritage. As its name suggests, the tower has also, over time, taken on the function of guarding the community's time, a rhythm that has accompanied generations. It is a landmark not only geographically but also sentimentally, reflecting the memory and participatory spirit of the locality. The tower thus maintains a close relationship with the environment and the sky, with natural ventilation that reflects adaptation to the Alentejo climate.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt