Tower of Peace

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Coimbra > Arganil > Benfeita > Pai das Donas

Location

The Tower of Peace stands in the locality of Benfeita, in Arganil, integrated into an area known as Pai das Donas. Positioned so that the sound of its bell could echo widely, the tower benefits from a natural setting of valleys and mountains that accentuate its presence and significance in the landscape. Its placement in the village gives it a visibility that underscores its symbolic purpose.

A Construction with a Singular Purpose

Built in 1945, the Tower of Peace was born from the initiative of Mário Mathias, an illustrious resident of Benfeita, with a truly unique objective: to mark the end of World War II. Designed to announce the arrival of peace through the ringing of its bell, the tower is distinguished by its singular dedication to one of the most significant moments in 20th-century history. Its purpose of celebrating concord makes it a notable landmark on the international stage.

Architectural and Symbolic Features

The Tower of Peace is a building with a square plan, approximately three meters per side and eleven meters in height. Recognized as a Municipal Heritage Site, its structure is topped by a granite dome. At the top, two openings were designed to house its bells, crucial elements for the fulfillment of its original mission. The robustness of its construction and its simple lines contribute to its imposing nature and the message of durability it aims to convey.

The Bell and the Clock of Peace

The heart of the tower lies in its mechanisms. The main one, named the Bell of Peace, was manufactured in Almada and installed in April 1945. Its origin is engraved on it, commissioned by Mário Mathias, and its mission, with the inscription: "THIS BELL RANG FOR THE FIRST TIME ANNOUNCING THE END OF THE WAR IN EUROPE IN 1945". The clock that integrates the ensemble is equally remarkable, a work by the renowned watchmaker Manuel Francisco Cousinha. Its parts display phrases that extol peace, such as "LET US BLESS PEACE" and "PEACE BE WITH US", underscoring the central symbolism of the tower.

A Historic Moment in Benfeita

On May 7, 1945, the Tower of Peace fulfilled its purpose at a moment of great significance for the community. Thanks to a local resident with connections to an English company, the news of the signing of the armistice that ended the war in Europe reached Benfeita before it was widely publicized. At two o'clock that day, the tower's bell resonated through mountains and valleys, announcing that peace had arrived. It was a moment of collective celebration, where the village became one of the first places to celebrate the end of the conflict, highlighting the deep connection between the tower and its history.

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