The Tower of the Almadas () is a gothic medieval
tower house in
Guimarães, Portugal.
History
Originally, the building formed part of a larger noble
medieval
In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or medieval period lasted approximately from the 5th to the late 15th centuries, similarly to the post-classical period of World history (field), global history. It began with the fall of the West ...
residence built sometime prior to 1279,
which was later mostly torn down sometime between the 13th and 15th centuries, along with other neighboring buildings, and reduced in size following the expansion and densification of the city centre.
[ (incorrectly building depicted as “Casa dos Almadas”)] Following this demolition, the tower part of the house became exposed to the rest of the city, needing the addition of windows and an entrance
gate
A gate or gateway is a point of entry to or from a space enclosed by walls. The word is derived from Proto-Germanic language, Proto-Germanic ''*gatan'', meaning an opening or passageway. Synonyms include yett (which comes from the same root w ...
.
[
In 1964 the ]Câmara Municipal Câmara (meaning " chamber") is a common surname in the Portuguese language. It may also refer to:
People
* António de Vasconcelos e Sousa Câmara Caminha Faro e Veiga, 8th Count of Calheta, 4th Marquis of Castelo Melhor and Constable of Portug ...
of Guimarães leased the building to the AAELG. Since 1968, it serves as the headquarters of this association and is the official location where the annual Nicolinas Festivities Committee
The Nicolinas () are a series of festivities to honor Saint Nicholas that occur in the Portugal, Portuguese city of Guimarães. Held between 29 November and 7 December, they celebrate the old traditions and camaraderie of the inhabitants of Guim ...
is officialized.[
The interior of the tower was restored and redone following a ]bomb
A bomb is an explosive weapon that uses the exothermic reaction of an explosive material to provide an extremely sudden and violent release of energy. Detonations inflict damage principally through ground- and atmosphere-transmitted mechan ...
explosion in 1974.[ In 2001 the Historic Centre of Guimarães, where this tower is inserted in, was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.]
See also
* Guimarães
* Historic Centre of Guimarães
* List of buildings in Guimarães
References
Houses in Guimarães
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