Tomarense Foundry

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Quinta do Lima

Location

Fundição Tomarense is located in Tomar, integrated into the Levada Cultural Complex. This space is situated in the Quinta do Lima area, an urban area that reflects the city's industrial heritage. Its location makes it an easily accessible point of interest, offering a unique perspective on Tomar's manufacturing past, set within the local urban landscape.

A Centenary History

Fundição Tomarense represents a significant chapter in the industrial history of the city of Tomar. It operated from the late 19th century until 2005, establishing itself as the last manufacturing unit to operate in the historic Levada. This site is recognized by specialists as a true temple of industrial archaeology, given its importance in preserving the methods and equipment of yesteryear.

Over the decades, the foundry produced a wide range of cast iron objects, ranging from decorative elements such as lamps and railings, to functional pieces like stoves and manhole covers. Many of these elements are still part of Tomar's urban landscape today, testifying to the relevance and impact of its production on the daily life of the community.

Journeys in Iron

The museological core of Fundição Tomarense invites an immersion into the industrial processes that shaped iron. The exhibition features a collection of original equipment, tools, and utensils, used in the old foundry, locksmith, and deburring workshops that operated on this site. Visitors can follow a structured path that unveils the different cycles of metal transformation.

From the preparation of sands for molds and the use of the imposing Cubilot furnace, to the finishing of the pieces, each stage is illustrated. It is possible to observe closely the spaces where work took place, such as the forge, the machinery area, and the old office, providing a clear and palpable understanding of daily operations of yesteryear and the engineering involved.

Echoes of the Human Past

Beyond the machinery and technical processes, Fundição Tomarense is an important guardian of human memory. This museological project resulted from a close collaboration with the Cotralha family, who owned the company, and benefited from the valuable contribution of former employees, whose experiences and stories enrich the understanding of the site. Their experiences and knowledge make this space a living testament to the generations who dedicated their work there.

The foundry's presence in the city's life was profound; many objects found in homes and public spaces in Tomar, such as cast iron window grilles or garden benches, were created there, establishing a tangible link with the community. This space is not limited to exhibiting the past; it is also conceived as a cultural meeting point, where Tomar's industrial legacy remains alive and relevant for current generations.

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