Royal Glass Factory of Coina

Category: Civil Architecture > Factory

District: Setúbal > Barreiro > Coina > Zona Industrial de Coina

Location

Located in the town of Coina, in the municipality of Barreiro, district of Setúbal, the Royal Glass Factory of Coina is currently integrated into the Coina Industrial Zone. This location, once strategic due to its proximity to the Coina River and the Tagus estuary, facilitated the transport of raw materials and finished products, linking it directly to maritime trade routes. The surrounding environment is now marked by contemporary industrial dynamics, offering a fascinating contrast between the modern factory landscape and the resilience of a structure with centuries of history.

The Legacy of Glass Production

The Royal Glass Factory of Coina is a fundamental landmark in Portuguese industrial history. Founded in 1719, by order of D. João V, this factory was one of the first and most important glass production units in the country. Its creation reflected the mercantilist policy of the time, which aimed to strengthen the national economy and reduce dependence on imports. Here, various essential articles were produced, from window glass to bottles and household utensils, supplying the Portuguese market and contributing significantly to the economic and technological development of the kingdom. The factory operated for over a century, witnessing profound social and industrial transformations until its eventual closure in the late 19th or early 20th century.Architecture and Industrial Memory

The remaining structures of the Royal Glass Factory of Coina reveal traces of 18th and 19th-century industrial architecture. Although time and nature have shaped its forms, it is still possible to discern the grandeur and functionality that characterized this industrial complex. The original construction would have been robust, designed to house high-temperature furnaces and vast workspaces. Its mere existence in the current landscape is a physical testament to an era of innovation and labor, serving as an architectural document that illustrates the conditions and techniques of industrial production of yesteryear. It represents a notable example of built heritage linked to manufacturing and industry in Portugal.

A Symbol of Innovation and Persistence

More than a mere collection of ruins, the Royal Glass Factory of Coina is a symbol of the audacity and vision that propelled industrialization in Portugal. Its history reflects efforts to establish large-scale national industries, anticipating modern industrial complexes. It is a place that invites reflection on the evolution of work, technology, and economy throughout the centuries. Its presence in the current Coina Industrial Zone establishes a bridge between the past and the present, recalling the heritage that shaped the economic and social landscape of the Setúbal region and the municipality of Barreiro.

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