Tithe House

Category: Civil Architecture > House

District: Faro > Lagos > Lagos > Bairro Operário

Location:

The Casa da Dízima is located in the historic heart of Lagos, next to what was once the city's old quay. The building is strategically positioned in Praça Infante Dom Henrique, between the Church of Santa Maria and the Hospital complex. Its location is particularly relevant, as it was situated within the medieval walls, near gates that directly connected the city to the Cais da Ribeira.

A Legacy of Functions:

This property, known today as Casa da Dízima, has had various designations and purposes throughout the centuries. It initially functioned as the Toll House (Edifício da Portagem), a crucial place for collecting taxes on goods entering and leaving the city. Subsequently, it served as the Customs Rowers' Barracks (Quartel dos Remadores da Alfândega) and, until the early 19th century, as the Tithes House (Casa da Dízima) or Vedoria, where tithes were inspected and collected, a tax on agricultural production and other goods. This diversity of functions reflects the strategic importance of Lagos throughout its history.

Architecture and Time:

Originally built in the 17th century, the Casa da Dízima exhibits civil architecture characteristic of the period, although it underwent significant reconstructions after the 1755 Earthquake. Its rectangular plan and simple two-story volume, topped by a hipped roof, give it a sober and robust presence. On the main facade, we can observe a frieze that marks the separation between floors. The ground floor features three door openings with stone frames, while the upper floor is punctuated by a central sash window, flanked by balconied windows, all equally framed in stone, revealing the 17th to 19th-century aesthetic that shaped the building to this day.

A Symbol of Resilience:

The history of Casa da Dízima is a testament to Lagos' resilience. Despite being severely damaged by the devastating 1755 Earthquake, the building was meticulously rebuilt, adapting and continuing to serve the community in different capacities. Its permanence in the urban fabric, maintaining its essential lines and discreet grandeur, underscores the city's ability to preserve its memory and to rise from adversity. It is a point of interest that invites reflection on the layers of history that each stone of the city of Lagos holds.

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