Clock Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Castelo Branco > Penamacor > Penamacor > União das Freguesias de Penamacor e Salvador

Location

The Clock Tower is located in the heart of the village of Penamacor, in an elevated position within its historic area. It is intimately linked to what remains of the town's ancient medieval wall, giving it a striking presence in the urban landscape.

From this point, visitors can enjoy a wide and serene perspective over the surrounding landscape, embracing the village and the municipality, with its natural and architectural scenery.

History and Heritage

This remarkable monument has its deep roots in time, dating back, probably, to the 14th century. At that time, the tower played a crucial defensive role, safeguarding the village gates and integrating into its protective structure.

Throughout the centuries, the tower maintained its importance, witnessing the evolution of Penamacor. Its historical and cultural relevance is today recognized by its classification as a National Monument.

Architecture and Details

The tower features a robust structure, characteristic of medieval military architecture, attached to the wall. Although its base is of ancient construction, the battlements and the bell tower we observe today result from a reconstruction carried out in the mid-20th century, which aimed to preserve its original silhouette.

It was at this time, in 1956, that the tower received the current carillon clock, a mechanism that replaced an older predecessor, which already dated from the 19th century. With a careful look, various inscriptions carved into the stonework can be discovered, which are marks left by the stonemasons who, over time, contributed to its construction and maintenance.

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