Old Town Hall of Terena

Category: Civil Architecture > Palaces

District: Évora > Alandroal > Terena

Location

Situated in the serene village of Terena, municipality of Alandroal, in the district of Évora, this building is located on Rua Direita, one of the main arteries of the locality. Its central position in Terena's urban fabric reflects the importance it once held as an administrative and social hub of the village.

Architectural Features

The Former Town Hall stands out for its main façade, typical of the 18th century. The imposing exterior staircase, adorned with an elegant marble handrail and balustrade, which leads to the main entrance, draws attention. Above the door, there is a notable Portuguese Royal Coat of Arms, also carved in marble, bearing witness to the reign of D. João V. Flanking the entrance, two balcony windows complete the architectural composition, giving the building a distinct presence in the village's urban landscape.

From Local Governance to Historical Legacy

The building of the Former Town Hall of Terena is a symbol of the village's long administrative history. Although Terena was a municipal seat since medieval times, the building observed today was erected in the 18th century to serve as the town hall. On its ground floor, the Common Granary operated, an essential space for the community where cereals were stored. With the extinction of the municipality of Terena in 1836, the main building, with the exception of the Common Granary, was ceded to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia of Terena, which transformed it into a hospital. Later, in the 20th century, the Common Granary space continued to have public utility, housing the Parish Council and the Civil Registry Office.

A Testament to the Past

After decades of community service, the Misericórdia hospital closed its doors in the 1950s. Since then, the building has remained unoccupied, awaiting a future that will restore its life and dignity commensurate with its historical value. It represents a remarkable testament to the administrative and social evolution of Terena, a space that, over the centuries, adapted and served various needs of the population. Its presence in the village is a tangible reminder of the richness of the local cultural heritage.

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