Clock Tower and Medieval Gate - Caminha

In the 12th century, the Torre do Relógio was part of the original fortifications of Caminha and served as one of the three main gates to the city.

It is one of the city's most iconic monuments and is an impressive combination of a medieval gate and a clock tower . This tower is the only remaining part of the original city walls and once served as the main gateway to the city, known as the Porta de Viana , as it led towards Viana do Castelo

The tower has a square plan and was originally the castle's keep. Above the gate is a carved stone with the royal coat of arms and an image of Nossa Senhora da Conceição , donated by King João IV during the Restoration War. The bell was cast in 1610 and is placed in a pyramid-shaped structure on top of the tower.

Inside the tower, visitors can admire several historical objects, including a model of the medieval city walls, a stone from the time of King Afonso III and the original clock mechanism that worked for over a hundred years.

Visitors can climb the tower via an internal staircase to enjoy panoramic views of Caminha, the Minho River and nearby Spain from the top

Willem Vandenameele