Núcleo Museológico do Tempo (Torre das Cabaças/Torre do Relógio)

Categoria: Arquitetura civil > Museu

Distrito: Santarém > Santarém > Santarém

The Torre das Cabaças, or Cabaceiro, as it is commonly referred to, is in fact a Clock Tower, the introduction of which is known to Portugal since the early fifteenth century.

Ascending the tower gives us a beautiful view of the city. Inside, we have a museum.

One of the most important historical icons and points of reference in the city of Santarém, not only because of its strategic position but also because of its great visibility, it has undergone two major renovations in the last 50 years, and the last, in my opinion, Left it somewhat uncharacteristic in the face of the original architectural trait. Their metal frame and spiral staircases are not very pleasant to use. Still worth the visit and historical reading on the monument.

The tower presents a mannerist style that is quadrangular, with a height of 26.8 meters. Its walls are cut by eight windows and are topped by a structure of metal with eight clay cups in the shape of a gourd, serving as a resonator for the clock bell.

An imposing bronze bell, dating from 1604, signals the hours of the mechanical clock.

The Torre das Cabaças, also known simply as the Clock Tower, is located in the parish of Marvila, city of Santarém, Council and District of Santarém, in Portugal.

The current clock tower dates back to the reign of D. Manuel I (1495-1521) and was constructed from a defensive structure around the Porta do Alporão, which was cut into the walls of the Castle of Santarém.

The name "Cabaças" was popularly established in the late eighteenth century, due to the placement of eight clay gourds in an iron structure that supports a large bronze bell, cast in 1604. People playfully identified these gourds as the "empty" heads of their municipal councillors.

It is classified as a National Monument by the Decree of February 3, 1928.

Former Keep Tower of the Castle of Santarém. It served as an observation and alert post for invasions.

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