Portugal Images: Cabaças Tower (Calabash Tower), Santarém
The Cabaças Tower in Santarém is a part of the remaining defensive walls of the city. The name Torre das Cabaças comes from the eight calabashes (gourds) that increased the volume of the bell so it could be heard in surrounding villages in times of peril. The calabashes have since been replaced by ceramic pots. It is possible the Torre das Cabaças was formerly a minaret, though more likely it was constructed by the Christian city authorities in the 14th century.
The 22-meter tower is close to the Church of São João de Alporão. The tower was once home to the Núcleo Museológico do Tempo, a small museum on the theme of "time."
Address: Rua Eng. Zeferino Sarmento, 2000-121 Santarém.
