Cunhal Sixteenth-Century Window

Category: Civil Architecture > Window

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > São João Baptista e Santa Maria dos Olivais

Location

Located in the picturesque town of Tomar, in the district of Santarém, this remarkable window is integrated into the urban fabric of the parish of São João Baptista and Santa Maria dos Olivais. Its location invites a journey through the historical streets of the city, where it stands as a discreet but significant element of an old civil building.

Upon exploring the narrow streets of Tomar, visitors encounter this architectural example, which stands as a testament to the life and aesthetics of yesteryear, harmoniously framed in an environment that preserves the essence of bygone times.

Architectural Features

The 16th-Century Corner Window is an example of 16th-century Portuguese civil architecture. Its main particularity lies in its placement: it is a corner window, meaning it is strategically positioned on the corner of a building. This architectural solution allowed not only for greater natural light into the interior spaces but also for a more comprehensive view of the street or square, lending a distinctive character to the façade where it is integrated.

Although specific information about its exact ornamentation may be scarce, the 16th-century period is known for the transition between the Manueline style, with its profusion of naturalistic and maritime elements, and Renaissance classicism, which favors symmetry and formal harmony. It is expected that this window, carved in stone, exhibits characteristics that reflect these striking aesthetic trends of the era.

Historical and Cultural Context

The 16th century was a period of great splendor in Portugal, and Tomar, as the seat of the Order of Christ, played a central role in this flourishing. The 16th-Century Corner Window fits into this historical-cultural context, representing the importance of civil architecture of the time, which went beyond large religious or military monuments.

This architectural element offers a glimpse into the daily life and aesthetic concerns of the inhabitants of 16th-century Tomar. Its presence reminds us that, even in the details of dwellings, the mastery of stonemasons and the artistic sensibility of a time when stone spoke of history, status, and beauty were manifested. It is, therefore, a small, but valuable, piece of Tomar's history.

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