As you will have been able to ascertain over this time, we find ourselves before the tower of one of the flagship monuments in Arcos: the Minor Basilica of Saint Mary of the Assumption (Santa María de la Asunción). Through the ruling issued by the Holy Court of Rota Romana, dated 18 July 1764, under the Pontificate of Pope Clement XIII, this was duly enshrined as the Oldest, Most Significant and Main Great Church of this city, thus resolving the lawsuit upheld between the Church of Saint Peter the Apostle re-garding matters of seniority. This case between both churches lasted over 85 years, until Saint Mary’s Church was finally granted the honour.

This church boasted a charming tower located in the chancel, though this was sadly destroyed by the crushing Lisbon earthquake. Its weights drew to a halt, so the clock stopped ticking, which gave rise to the name of the street below us, (clock weights), Pesas del Reloj.

A few years after this tragedy, in 1758, the architect and chief builder of the Royal Tobacco Factory in Se-ville, Mr Vicente Catalán Bengochea, set forth the project conditions and created the layout of this impos-ing and sturdy tower, which endows the square with certain grandeur.

Let us wander a few steps further down this street behind us to pause for a moment and gaze at the tile that bears this street’s name, Calle Escribanos.