Standard of Dom Sebastião (1567)

Category: Civil Architecture > Stone Pillar

District: Santarém > Tomar > Tomar

Location

The Monument of Dom Sebastião is strategically located in the tranquil area of Marmelais de Baixo, in the locality of Tomar, within the municipality of Tomar and the district of Santarém. This positioning grants it a serene and rural environment, away from urban hustle, inviting a calmer and more introspective experience of historical discovery. The natural surroundings provide a picturesque setting for contemplating this centuries-old landmark.

Its location in Marmelais de Baixo places it within a rural landscape characteristic of the region, where history and nature meet, offering a unique perspective on royal legacy in a context of peace and quiet.

A Royal Testimony from 1567

This Monument is a historical piece of great relevance, dating back to 1567, which directly associates it with the early years of Dom Sebastião's personal reign. Erected in a period when the young monarch was beginning to outline his vision for the kingdom, this monument is one of the few physical testimonies that reach us directly from that era and his presence or influence in the region.

It represents a tangible connection to a mythical figure in Portuguese history, whose reign, though brief, left an indelible mark on national identity. Its existence underscores the breadth of royal power and the practice of marking territories or events with lasting landmarks.

Meaning and Form

As a monument, this civil architecture structure is typically a column, obelisk, or stone marker, erected for commemorative or demarcation purposes. Although its specific form may vary, the intention of perpetuating a memory or marking a location is intrinsic to this type of construction.

The Monument of Dom Sebastião from 1567 is thus a symbol of royal authority and presence in the territory. Its simplicity, combined with its robustness, has allowed it to withstand the centuries, serving as a silent link between the past and the present, and inviting reflection on the history and symbolism of past monuments.

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