Category: Civil Architecture > Urban Ensemble
District: Viana do Castelo > Ponte de Lima > Ponte de Lima > Centro Histórico
The Towers of São Paulo and Cadeia, united by a section of the medieval wall, are located in the heart of Ponte de Lima's Historic Centre. Their central position makes them an unmissable landmark in the town's urban landscape, easily observable by those strolling through the ancient streets.
This architectural ensemble stands out for its imposing presence and how it integrates into the surrounding urban environment, marking the historical presence of the town on the banks of the River Lima.
These structures are testimonies to Ponte de Lima's medieval fortification. Their construction began during the reign of Dom Pedro I, in 1359, with the ensemble being completed between 1367 and 1383. Originally, the towers and the stretch of wall between them were part of a broader defensive system, essential for the town's protection in times of conflict.
The presence of these towers evokes the era when Ponte de Lima played a strategic role in the region, functioning as a gateway, protected by robust defenses that have withstood the test of time.
The Cadeia Tower, one of the two towers comprising this ensemble, displays on its south facade distinctive elements such as the royal coat of arms and an armillary sphere. These symbols reinforce the structure's connection to the Crown and the monarchical power of the time.
In turn, the São Paulo Tower is enriched by an azulejo panel by Jorge Colaço. This panel illustrates a notable episode involving King Afonso Henriques, adding an artistic and narrative layer to the robustness of the stones and transporting the observer to the primordial history of the country.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.768048,-8.584524
Coordinates DMS: 41°46'5.0"N 08°35'4.3"W
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