Torre do Relógio, torre del reloj de Caminha, Portugal
The Torre do Relógio is a former defensive tower in the medieval walls of Caminha and the only remaining tower from the original castle structure. The two-story square building stands on Praça do Conselheiro Silva Torres and faces south, where it once served as an exit towards the nearby town of Viana do Castelo.
The tower originated as part of Caminha's medieval fortification system and served for centuries to defend and control the southern entrance to the town. A clock mechanism was installed on top in 1673, changing its role and turning it into a public timekeeper for residents.
The clock tower marks the center of Caminha with its simple square shape and represents the town's long connection to its past. Locals and visitors see it today as a focal point that links the old town with its narrow streets and historic stone buildings.
The tower is easily reached through the central Praça do Conselheiro Silva Torres and shows visitors the town's history through a museum inside. After a restoration in 2008, visitors can enter via a new staircase and pass through a tunnel in the old wall, making access straightforward.
The clock mechanism itself was cast over 400 years ago and sits in a stone pyramid on top of the tower, where its bell has rung out the hours for generations and marked the time for townspeople. This medieval timepiece is one of the rare remnants still functioning, preserving nearly four centuries of history.
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