League marker at the entrance of Azambuja.

Category: Civil Architecture > Marker

District: Santarém > Azambuja > Azambuja

Location

Upon arriving in the locality of Azambuja, in the municipality of the same name and integrated within the district of Santarém, visitors will encounter the Marco de Légua (League Marker). Strategically positioned at the entrance to the village, this historic landmark evokes its original function of providing orientation on ancient routes, signalling the transition to Azambuja and marking a notable point in the Ribatejo landscape.

History and Purpose

This marker constitutes a fundamental element in the history of ancient communication routes in Portugal. Erected in the year 1754, on the initiative of the Junta de Melhoramentos das Estradas do Reino (Board for the Improvement of the Kingdom's Roads), an entity dedicated to the improvement of road infrastructure during that period, its primary purpose was to indicate distances on the important road connections of the time. Specifically, this monument marks the eighth league from Lisbon, integrated into the old route that extended to Santarém, evidencing the crucial role of these markers in terrestrial navigation before the development of modern roads.

Architectural Elements

The Marco de Légua of Azambuja displays a robust stone structure, characterized by its simplicity and functionality. Its square base provides stability to the ensemble. The body of the marker rises in a pyramidal shape, crowned by a sphere. A particularly distinctive and ingenious element is the sundial integrated into this sphere, which, in addition to its practical utility for measuring time, lends a touch of uniqueness and beauty to the work. The design of the marker, despite its sobriety, clearly reflects the precision and purpose for which it was conceived.

Value and Recognition

By virtue of its historical and heritage value, the Marco de Légua of Azambuja is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público (IIP) (Property of Public Interest). This official distinction underscores its relevance for understanding the ancient infrastructure and journeys in Portugal of yesteryear. The monument represents not just a geographical point, but a lasting testimony to the system of distance measurement and road organization in the 18th century, establishing itself as a symbol of the country's rich road heritage.

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