Church Garden

Category: Nature > Garden

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar

Location

The Church Garden is located in a tranquil and welcoming area, in the town of Tomar, within the Quinta do Lima urbanization. Its location allows for easy access, inviting a relaxing break in the midst of the city's urban fabric, providing a space for leisure and contemplation for those visiting Tomar.

The Centenary Bandstand

In the heart of this garden stands a bandstand with a rich history, inaugurated on December 5, 1897. This remarkable architectural element was, at the time of its construction, the only one of its kind in the city of Tomar, making it a unique landmark. Its construction involved the expertise of local and national artisans: the stonework, for example, was executed at the Quarry by Francisco da Costa Gonçalves, while the metal structure was supplied by an iron foundry from Porto. The painting work was entrusted to Manoel da Silva Baptista, a painter from the city itself.

Significant Celebrations

The inauguration of the bandstand was an event of great importance for the local community, marked by a significant turnout of people from all social classes. On that day, the Infantry 11 band, under the baton of Maestro Cherubim António d’Assis, presented the attendees with a concert. Among the pieces performed, the “Hymno da cidade de Thomar,” written by the maestro himself, and the waltz “Várzea Pequena,” composed by Baron d’Alvaiázere, stood out. The Nabantina and Thomarense philharmonic bands also participated in the celebrations, parading through the city streets and contributing to the festive atmosphere that characterized the inauguration day.

Heritage and Aesthetics

Over the years, the bandstand has maintained its imposing presence in the garden. In 1997, one hundred years after its inauguration, it underwent a careful restoration, ensuring its preservation and its original beauty for future generations. With its elegant and well-preserved structure, the bandstand is today a point of interest that enriches the landscape of the Church Garden, inviting a closer observation of its details and its history.

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