Category: Military Architecture > Tower
District: Santarém > Santarém > Santarém > Marvila
The Torre das Cabaças, also known as the Clock Tower, stands majestically in the city of Santarém, in the former parish of Marvila. Its striking presence in the urban landscape dates back to its original function as an integral part of the medieval defenses of Santarém Castle, contributing to the history and identity of the site.
The tower we see today was built in the early 16th century, between 1500 and 1502, during the reign of King Manuel I. It was constructed upon a pre-existing defensive structure that was part of the Alporão Gate, one of the ancient entrances that opened through the historic city walls.
The name "Torre das Cabaças" (Tower of the Gourds) became popularly established from the late 18th century onwards. It is named after eight clay gourds that were artistically arranged on an iron structure supporting the bronze bell. Although their function is to act as resonance boxes for the bell's sound, the people humorously associated them with the "empty heads" of the municipal councillors of the time, giving the tower a curious and memorable nickname.
At the top of the tower sits an imposing, large bell, cast in the year 1604. This centuries-old bell continues to fulfill its function, marking the hours with the precision of a mechanical clock mechanism, a testament to the durability of the engineering of the time.
The Torre das Cabaças has a square plan and a notable height of 26.8 meters, standing out for its Mannerist style. Its structure is complemented by eight windows harmoniously distributed across its various levels, culminating in the aforementioned metal structure at the top, where the clay gourds are suspended, adding a distinctive element to its silhouette.
Recognizing its undeniable historical and cultural importance, the tower was classified as a Property of Public Interest. This protection status was granted to it in 1910, safeguarding its relevance as one of the most emblematic landmarks of the city of Santarém.
Currently, the tower houses the "Núcleo Museológico do Tempo" (Time Museum Centre), a valuable extension of the Santarém Municipal Museum. Inside, visitors will find an exhibition dedicated to the fascinating history of time measurement and, in particular, to the trajectory of this historic tower itself, inviting a journey into the past and human ingenuity.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torre_das_Cabaças
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.23568355999241,-8.680117186029506
Coordinates DMS: 39°14'8.5"N 08°40'48.4"W
Weather Santarém
On-duty Pharmacy Santarém
