Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Beja > Alvito > Alvito
The Clock Tower rises in the heart of Alvito, in the space known as Largo do Relógio. Its white silhouette contrasts with the traditional cobblestones that pave the square.
In the vicinity, the whitewashed houses and narrow streets create a tranquil atmosphere, where one can feel the slow pace typical of the Baixo Alentejo region.
Built in the early 16th century, it was part of the old Town Hall (Paços do Concelho), marking Alvito's transition to a baronial seat in 1475. The tower grew around the original House of the Council (Casa da Câmara), during a period of local prosperity.
Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, it underwent expansions and adaptations, witnessing distinct phases of municipal life. Plaques on the facade recall significant moments, such as the suppression and reintegration of the municipality in the 19th century.
The Manueline style is visible in the merlons and the ribbed groin vault of the first body, topped by a characteristic lantern.
On the south elevation, pilasters with pyramidal pinnacles reflect Mannerist influences. Baroque details appear in some interior vaults, creating a dialogue between different architectural languages. The presence of the clock, with its 19th-century mechanism, adds a touch of technical curiosity to the ensemble.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.25618264365748,-7.992307490228237
Coordinates DMS: 38°15'22.3"N 07°59'32.3"W
Weather Alvito
On-duty Pharmacy Alvito
