Commemorative Standard of Várzea Grande

Category: Civil Architecture > Stone Pillar

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar > Quinta do Lima

Location

The Várzea Grande Commemorative Monument is strategically situated in the picturesque locality of Tomar, in the heart of the Santarém district. More specifically, this monument stands in the area known as Quinta do Lima, a place that is part of the vast expanse that the very designation "Várzea Grande" evokes. Its position offers a unique perspective on the surrounding environment, characterized by a fusion between the serenity of the landscape and the proximity to the historic center of Tomar, a city rich in legacies.

The Purpose of Memory

A monument, in its essence, is a structure erected with the purpose of perpetuating the memory of an event, a figure, or a historical milestone. The Várzea Grande Commemorative Monument precisely assumes this role, functioning as a silent testimony to a part of Tomar's local history. Although the specific details of what led to its establishment may sometimes be shrouded in time, its presence invites reflection on the events or circumstances that were deemed fundamental to remember and honor in this location.

Traces of Enduring Architecture

Framed within the typology of civil architecture, a monument is distinguished by its robustness and the simplicity of its design. Generally constructed from durable materials, such as stone, it is conceived to withstand the passage of centuries and inclement weather, ensuring that the message it carries endures. The Várzea Grande Monument presents itself as an example of this form of architectural expression, suggesting a solid structure that may sometimes include inscriptions or other sculpted elements intended to clarify its purpose and the narrative it seeks to preserve.

The Landscape Setting

The location in "Várzea Grande," a term that evokes open fields, fertile plains, or riverside areas, suggests that the Monument is situated in a natural setting that contributes to its particular atmosphere. This environment invites tranquility and contemplation, offering a place for a serene pause. The surrounding landscape, marked by the characteristic topography of a floodplain, may present dense vegetation, cultivated fields, or the proximity of watercourses, elements that enrich the experience of those who approach the monument.

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