Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa
The Torre do Tombo Building is located in the University City of Lisbon, within the parish of Alvalade. Its placement in this academic and cultural hub underscores its importance as a center of knowledge and research.
The National Archive of Torre do Tombo is one of Portugal's oldest and most prestigious institutions, with its historical roots dating back to 1378, during the reign of King Ferdinand I. The name "Torre do Tombo" derives from its first location, in a tower of São Jorge Castle, where it remained until the devastating earthquake of 1755.
This event necessitated its transfer to the Monastery of São Bento. Its current home, this modern building, was inaugurated in 1990, marking a new chapter in the long history of documentary preservation for this national archive.
The building that today houses the National Archive of Torre do Tombo is a significant example of Portuguese contemporary architecture. Designed by architect António Braula Reis, its construction is characterized by the predominant use of white concrete, giving it an aesthetic of solidity and functionality.
The choice of materials and the structural design reflect the conservation needs of a national-scale archive. Its architectural and symbolic value was recognized in 2012 when it was classified as a Monument of Public Interest.
This building plays a crucial role as the central archive of the Portuguese State, housing a vast collection of historical documents. Since the Middle Ages, hundreds of kilometers of shelves have preserved certificates, records, and indexes that trace the nation's history.
While primarily serving research and documentary management, the space has been designed to be accessible to those demonstrating an interest in consulting its collections, offering a direct portal to Portugal's past.
The cultural importance of the Torre do Tombo Building transcends its archival function, as it is here that some of the most fundamental testimonies of Portuguese and world history are preserved. Among its countless volumes, documents of high value stand out.
These include the original Treaty of Tordesillas, which divided the world between Portugal and Castile, and the famous letter from Pêro Vaz de Caminha, the first account of the discovery of Brazil. The site holds documentary milestones that shaped the destiny of a country and, in many cases, of the world itself.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arquivo_Nacional_da_Torre_do_Tombo
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.75419830399639,-9.15623397880142
Coordinates DMS: 38°45'15.1"N 09°09'22.4"W
Weather Lisboa
On-duty Pharmacy Lisboa
