Clock Tower

Category: Civil Architecture > Clock Tower

District: Beja > Vidigueira > Vidigueira

Location

The Clock Tower stands proudly in the heart of the locality of Vidigueira, asserting itself as a striking element in the urban fabric of this Alentejo village. Its presence, visible and felt in the surrounding streets, contributes to the distinctive atmosphere of Vidigueira's centre, integrating naturally into the community's daily landscape and serving as a timeless point of reference for its inhabitants and visitors.

Memory and History

Although the exact date of its construction remains shrouded in an aura of antiquity, the great highlight of the Clock Tower is the bell housed within it. This bell has a remarkable history, as it was commissioned to be cast in 1520 by none other than Vasco da Gama, the illustrious Admiral of India. Its origin is proudly inscribed on the bell itself, where one can read: "This bell was ordered by Mr. Count Dom Vasco, Admiral of India". The bell is thus a tangible link to one of the greatest names in Portuguese history and a testament to the village's connection to notable figures.

Architecture and Characteristic Features

The tower presents a robust quadrangular construction, testament to a building designed to endure over time. Inside, a spiral staircase provides access to the upper part. The top of the tower is crowned by a parapet with a brick grille and ornamental details at each of its corners, giving it a distinctive silhouette on the village's skyline. In the centre, a turret or lantern stands out, sheltering the historic bell. This turret features semi-circular arched openings on each face, facilitating the spread of the bell's chimes throughout the village. In the Vidigueira Clock Tower, time is marked exclusively by the sound of its historic bell's chimes, echoing through the streets and setting the rhythm of local life.

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