Tancos Quay

Category: Civil Architecture > Quay

District: Santarém > Vila Nova da Barquinha > Tancos

Location

The Cais de Tancos is located in the village of Tancos, an integral part of the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha, on the banks of the Tejo River. Situated at a point where the river forms a mirror of tranquil waters, historically known as the Pego de Almourol, it offers a wide perspective on the surrounding landscape. From there, one can glimpse the silhouette of Almourol Castle and the opposite bank of the river.

A Portal to History

This quay is a testament to the long history of Tancos, a locality with roots dating back to ancient times. Since the Roman era, this strategic point on the Tejo served as an important crossing, with vestiges of ancient routes connecting distant cities.

In the Middle Ages, its relevance was reinforced. As property of the Order of the Temple and, later, the Order of Christ, the Tancos quay functioned as a crucial link between the Beiras, Alentejo, and the capital, facilitating the transport of people, goods, and even pilgrims on the Caminhos de Santiago. Its strategic position was such that, at the beginning of the Discoveries, vessels prepared there played a role in the exploration of new worlds, such as the Azores islands.

The Structure and Transformations

The imposing structure observed today is largely due to the interventions of King Dom Manuel I. It was by his order that a robust quay was erected, made of granite masonry, about 215 meters long and of notable height, designed to withstand the recurring floods of the Tejo. The construction of this quay solidified Tancos' commercial importance, leading to the locality being elevated to a village in 1517. It was a central point for large vessels, which stocked up on various products destined for the capital.

Over the centuries, the quay adapted to different functions, including the embarkation of minerals such as saltpeter and iron, essential for the kingdom's defense during the Restoration Wars. However, the advent of the railway in the 19th century brought with it a decline in river transport. The quay also suffered significant damage, such as partial destruction during the French Invasions in the early 19th century, and subsequent military interventions that opened direct access to the river, altering its original configuration.

A Cultural and Urban Perspective

The quay significantly shaped the urban layout of Tancos. The village streets, particularly those in the riverside area, developed parallel to the river and around this central structure. Many historical buildings, such as the old Casa da Câmara and the pillory, were located next to the quay.

Noteworthy is the Church of Misericórdia, whose origins date back to 1582, built in the vicinity of the quay. This temple, despite having been affected by floods that led to its religious deactivation and the removal of 16th-century tiles, was later transformed into the Tancos Cultural Center, preserving its connection to the community. Today, strolling along the Cais de Tancos is to immerse oneself in an atmosphere of tranquility, where the portals and windows of the old riverside buildings still recall the bustle of other eras. It is a place that symbolizes Tancos' enduring connection to the Tejo River and the many lives that passed through there.

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