East Tower of Cordoaria Nacional

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Art Gallery

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Alcântara

Location

The East Tower of Cordoaria Nacional is located in Lisbon's riverside area, in Alcântara. It is an integral part of the vast historical complex of the former Cordoaria Nacional.

Its location on Avenida da Índia places it in a setting that bears witness to the city's industrial and maritime history, being close to the Forte de São João da Junqueira and with a strong visual connection to the Tagus River.

Historical Roots

This building has its origins in the 18th century. It was part of the Royal Cordage Factory, a vast industrial unit created in the 1770s by order of the then Prime Minister, Marquis of Pombal.

The factory was vital for the production of cordage and other equipment essential for Portuguese maritime activities. It represents one of Lisbon's first industrialized areas and, due to its heritage value, this tower has been classified as a National Monument since 1996.

Architecture and Renovation

The architecture of the Tower reflects the late Pombaline style, with a design that prioritized the functionality of the former factory. The original design distributed the spaces in a modular way, with the central body used for rope manufacturing and the adjacent areas for other sections such as sailmaking or dyeing.

A recent renovation carefully highlighted original elements of the building, such as the imposing wooden roof structure, with its large 18th-century trusses, and the beauty of the stone arcades on the ground floor. The project created an interesting contrast between the floors: the more sheltered ground floor, and the upper floor, bathed in natural light entering through the large windows, highlighting the structure.

Space for Contemporary Art

Currently, the East Tower serves as a dynamic exhibition space. It is here that the Municipal Galleries of Lisbon present a varied program focused on contemporary art.

The exhibitions showcase the work of Portuguese artists and, at times, include international collaborations, transforming this historic venue into a point of cultural and artistic dialogue in the city.

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