History Tower of Pedro-Sem

a glimpse of tower on medieval-like buildings of old quarter

the tower ordered constructed pedro de sem, chancellor under king d. afonso iv in first half of 14th century. before being integrated former-palácio dos terenas, monument part of defensive wall ordered constructed in first half of 14th century, served centre of pre-urban estate related medieval burg. prestigious structure used monarch affirm presence city. 1431, in possession of marim sem (sometimes known martim d océm), then-chancellor of king d. duarte (and great-grandson of pero de sem), buried in são domingos de santarém (his tomb later transferred museum of são joão de alporão), estate of pero sem , tower.

between 1454 , 1516, following death of 1 of pero de sem descendent tower passed hands of joão sanches (sanchez) , wife isabel brandão (brandoa), daughter of joão brandão, accountant in estate of porto. beginning of long relationship within hands of brandão family, until end of 19th century (along various urban palaces in porto). 1576, rui brandão sanches instituted family majorat included estate , tower, along other possessions.

a palace constructed alongside tower in 18th century brandãos, , 19th century tower became possession of counts , marquesses of terena, marques of monfalim.

the primitive space, on periphery of city, under-pressure urban sprawl , old quinta da boa vista, known 15th century. in context construction of 17th century palace occurred, based on monumental facade , 2 floors, fronting on square. importance of square placed medieval square secondary utility. preserved late baroque project, owing symbolic importance.

in 1919 acquire, along palace, diocese of porto, serve episcopal palace, while municipal council of porto used old episcopal palace (between 1916 , 1956)., following series of events establishment of republic. later used official residence of prelate of porto, before being transformed centro de cultura católica (catholic cultural centre).

in 1986, diocese recuperated interior of tower, serve residences, under project of architect abrunhosa de brito, presented municipal council, designated torre da marca (tower of mark). later, in 1995, fundação spes, organization established folllwoing death d. antónio ferreira gomes, bishop of porto began functioning site, referred develop civilization od love , beauty . museums , historical patrimony division of city indicated support project, property known torre das terenas.