Tower of Fonte Arcada

Category: Religious Architecture > Church

District: Viseu > Sernancelhe > Fonte Arcada > Bairro de São Martinho

Location

The Tower of Fonte Arcada is located in the village of Fonte Arcada, in the municipality of Sernancelhe, situated in the São Martinho Quarter. Positioned on what is traditionally referred to as the Castle Hill, the tower benefits from an elevation that historically would have given it a strategic or prominent role in the urban landscape.

Its presence contributes to the historic ambiance of the village center, being close to other elements that make up the local heritage, offering an authentic perspective of its past.

Historical Legacy

This remarkable construction, widely known as the Clock Tower, dates back to the last quarter of the 16th century. Its existence highlights the past relevance of Fonte Arcada, when the village enjoyed the status of a county seat for several centuries.

As one of the visible testimonies of that period of prosperity and autonomy, the tower symbolizes the administrative organization and community life that unfolded around this center, marking the daily rhythm of its inhabitants.

Features and Significance

The Tower of Fonte Arcada, with its sober structure, reflects the architectural style of the era in which it was erected. As a Clock Tower, it played an essential practical function, marking time for the inhabitants and coordinating the daily activities of a dynamic village.

For visitors, observing this tower offers a direct link to the region's past, allowing for an understanding of the evolution and memory of Fonte Arcada, and its central role in the community of that time.

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