Infantado roundabout

Category: Civil Architecture > Roundabout

District: Santarém > Benavente > Samora Correia > Infantado

Location:

The Rotunda do Infantado is located in the area of the same name, in the town of Samora Correia, within the municipality of Benavente. For those arriving at or passing through the town, this roundabout serves as a meeting point for important roads, namely National Road 10 and National Road 119. It marks, in a way, one of the main entrances to the urban area, facilitating orientation and access.

The Cork Oak Sculpture

The most distinctive element of the Rotunda do Infantado is its central sculpture. It is an artistic representation of a cork oak, a robust and emblematic tree of the Portuguese landscape. This imposing structure dominates the roundabout's space, catching the eye of those passing through. The artwork gives a unique character to this road circulation point.

Connection to the Landscape

The choice of a cork oak for the center of the roundabout is not arbitrary. This tree is deeply connected to the landscape and the traditional economy of the Ribatejo region, where cork extraction is an activity with history and importance. The sculpture thus serves as a symbol that evokes local roots and the community's relationship with its natural territory, bringing an element of the countryside into the urban context.

Ambiance and Aesthetics

Beyond its symbolic value, the presence of the cork oak sculpture significantly contributes to the aesthetics of the Rotunda do Infantado. It transforms this transit point into a more well-kept and visually appealing area, serving as a landmark for those passing through the area. The artwork integrated into the public space offers an unexpected point of visual interest within a road infrastructure, making arrival at or passage through Samora Correia more memorable.

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