16th-century facade of the building on Rua Direita da Várzea Pequena, corner of Rua dos Oleiros.

Category: Civil Architecture > Façade

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > São João Baptista

Location

This remarkable facade is located in Tomar, a city rich in history in the heart of Portugal, integrated into the district of Santarém. Situated on Rua Direita da Várzea Pequena, at the intersection with Rua dos Oleiros, this facade occupies a prominent position on one of the oldest and most picturesque arteries of the city of Tomar. Its corner location in the historic center allows visitors to carefully observe its details, framed by the traditional atmosphere of the city's narrow streets and historic buildings.

Sixteenth-Century Architectural Characteristics

The highlighted facade dates back to the 16th century, a period of profound artistic transformations in Portugal, marked by the transition from the Manueline style to the Renaissance. As an example of civil architecture from that period, this facade reflects the aesthetic and constructive patterns of the time. Its architectural elements, although not explicitly detailed, would be typical of the period, potentially including precisely crafted stonework, ornate moldings on windows and doors, or the subtle insertion of decorative elements that demonstrate the mastery of the artisans of the time in stone manipulation. Sobriety and elegance would be dominant characteristics, revealing the taste of sixteenth-century Tomar society.

Historical and Cultural Value

This facade is not merely a piece of architecture; it is a fragment of Tomar's history, a witness to the city's urban and social evolution over the centuries. In the 16th century, Tomar was a prosperous center, driven by the Order of Christ, and the construction of civil buildings with ornate facades was a sign of the wealth and status of its people. By observing this facade, visitors are invited to imagine the daily life of sixteenth-century Tomar, understanding how aesthetics and functionality combined in the conception of urban spaces. It thus represents a valuable element in understanding the city's civil architectural heritage.

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