Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Alandroal > Terena (São Pedro)
The Clock Tower Museum is located in the heart of the picturesque village of Terena, in the parish of São Pedro, municipality of Alandroal. Its striking presence stands out in the urban fabric of Tapada do Pateo, rising above the surrounding houses and establishing itself as a visual landmark in the locality.
Its central position in the village invites careful observation, revealing how it integrates into Terena's landscape and daily life, offering a unique perspective on its environment.
The history of the Clock Tower is deeply connected to the resilience and life of the Terena community. Originally, the mechanism that dictated the rhythm of time for the village was installed in the local castle's keep. However, the devastating earthquake of 1755 seriously damaged that structure, forcing its relocation.
It was, then, in the second half of the 18th century that this unique building was erected, with the exclusive purpose of housing the new clock mechanism. For centuries, it was this Clock Tower that punctuated the rhythm of daily life in Terena, witnessing generations and events and becoming a symbol of the passage of time in the village.
The architecture of the Clock Tower reveals a characteristic design and an imposing presence. It is crowned by a distinctive hemispherical dome, adorned with pinnacles at the extremities of its top, which give it a unique silhouette on Terena's horizon.
On the exterior, the clock face, oriented towards the west, is a remarkable piece carved in marble, where the Roman numerals are clearly visible, referring to the tradition of time measurement. Inside, the tower houses two old bells, the larger one being responsible for striking the hours, perpetuating the sound that echoed throughout the village for many decades and contributing to its particular atmosphere.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.6209209,-7.4076206
Coordinates DMS: 38°37'15.3"N 07°24'27.4"W
Weather Terena (São Pedro)
On-duty Pharmacy Terena (São Pedro)
