Torre das Cabaças

Torre das Cabaças is a historic clock tower in Santarém, central Portugal. Today it houses the Núcleo Museológico do Tempo, a small museum devoted to time, while still serving as the city's clock tower. It stands in the former Marvila parish on Largo Zeferino Sarmento, close to the church of São João de Alporão.

Why is it called the "Gourd Tower"?

The name literally means "Tower of the Calabashes". It caught on in the late 18th century, when eight clay calabashes were fitted to the iron frame holding a large bronze bell, cast in 1604, to amplify its sound. Locals joked that the hollow vessels resembled the "empty heads" of the town councillors. The calabashes have since been replaced by ceramic pots, but the name stuck. The tower is also known simply as Torre do Relógio, the Clock Tower.

How old is the tower?

The tower belongs to Santarém's defensive system. It was raised over an earlier defensive structure by the Alporão Gate, in the walls of the castle and town fortifications. Sources date it to the 15th century and the reign of King Manuel I (1495–1521), and describe its style as late Gothic or Mannerist. It has a square plan. It was classified as a Property of Public Interest by a decree of 14 March 1917.

What is inside?

The interior has been converted into the Núcleo Museológico do Tempo, part of the Santarém Municipal Museum. Across three levels you will find exhibits on the theme of time, including clocks of various kinds. The centrepiece is the tower's own clock mechanism. At the top is a viewpoint with views over the city.

Practical tips

• The tower fits naturally into a walk around Santarém's old town, near other sights around São João de Alporão.
• It was renovated and reopened to the public in 2025, so check current opening hours with the municipal museum before visiting.
• Combine the visit with a stroll along the city's viewpoints and terraces.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called the Calabash Tower? After eight clay vessels hung by the bell to amplify its sound, which locals likened to their councillors' hollow heads.

Does it still work as a clock? Yes, it still functions as the city's clock tower.

What is inside? A museum of time with clocks across three levels, the tower's clock mechanism and a viewpoint.

When was it built? The current tower is linked to the reign of Manuel I, on an older defensive structure by the Alporão Gate.

Is it a protected monument? Yes, classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1917.