Old Town Hall

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Setúbal > Grândola > Grândola > Praça Dom Jorge

Location

Situated in the heart of Grândola, the Old Municipal Buildings stand in Praça Dom Jorge, a central point of the village. Its placement is distinctive, particularly its main façade which faces the square of the Mother Church, establishing a unique visual relationship with this important temple. By walking around the building, it is possible to observe its three distinct façades, each with a different rhythm of openings and treatments, which contribute to its uniqueness within Grândola's urban fabric.

A Secular Legacy

Dating back to the 18th century, this building was once the heart of Grândola's municipal administration. Across its two floors, it housed essential functions for the life of the village. The upper floor, known as the noble floor, was the venue for council meetings and the court's hearing room, where the most important decisions were made. The lower floor was designated for the local prison and served as lodging for the officials who worked there. Part of the space was also rented out, generating income for the municipality. Although deactivated from these functions in the 20th century, the building remains a fundamental part of Grândola's heritage, bearing witness to centuries of municipal history.

Architecture and Symbolism

The architecture of the Old Municipal Buildings reflects its historical importance. It is a notable example of 18th-century civic municipal buildings, characterized by its bell tower. Its location and orientation, with the staircase accessing the noble floor facing the Church square, suggest a dialogue, perhaps an old "competition," between the civil and religious powers of the village. Its three distinct façades demonstrate an adaptation to the urban context and the functional needs of the time, making it an element of interest for those who appreciate historical architecture and urban planning of yesteryear.

Testimonies of the Deep Past

Recent rehabilitation interventions in the building have brought to light archaeological discoveries that reveal an even older history for this site. Remains dating back to periods prior to the construction of the current building were found, including a 16th or 17th-century tomb and a silo approximately 1.5 meters deep. This silo contained a vast collection of artifacts, such as ceramics, metals, coins, glass, animal bones, and shells, offering a window into the daily life of the people who lived in Grândola centuries ago. Furthermore, fissures were identified in the structural walls, likely caused by the 1755 earthquake, and walls built according to the "Pombaline cage" system, a post-earthquake technique to increase seismic resistance. These discoveries enrich the understanding of the long and complex history of the building and of Grândola village itself.

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