House of the Twenty-Four, Medieval assembly building in Santo António, Lisbon, Portugal.
The House of the Twenty-Four is a medieval assembly building located next to the Church of Saint Joseph of the Carpenters in Lisbon, displaying Portuguese architectural styles from different periods. The structure retains characteristic features of traditional Portuguese building techniques with evidence of later modifications.
The building was established in 1383 by John, Master of Aviz, as a center for craft guild representation in Lisbon. Its founding marked a turning point in how the city organized its working guilds and professional groups.
The building hosted gatherings of organized craftsmen who met according to their trade guilds and honored their chosen patron saints. The spaces still reflect the importance these professional groups held in the city's life.
The location is centrally situated in Lisbon with good accessibility through various transportation options and surrounded by other historic landmarks. Visitors can explore the area on foot and understand its connection to the surrounding neighborhoods.
Each of the twelve guilds sent two representatives who gathered annually on December 21 to govern the city. This system was an early form of organized representation where different professions shared decision-making power.
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