Tower of Pedro-Sem
The Tower of Pedro-Sem () is a medieval fortification situated in the civil parish of Lordelo do Ouro e Massarelos, that protected the northern Portuguese city of Porto. History The tower was ordered constructed by Pedro de Sem, chancellor under King D. Afonso IV in the first half of the 14th century. Before being integrated into the former-Palácio dos Terenas, this monument was part of the defensive wall ordered constructed in the first half of the 14th century, that also served as the centre of a pre-urban estate related to the medieval burg. It was a prestigious structure used by the monarch to affirm his presence to the city. By 1431, in the possession of Marim do Sem (sometimes known as Martim d'Océm), then-chancellor of King D. Duarte (and great-grandson of Pero de Sem), who would eventually be buried in São Domingos de Santarém (his tomb was later transferred to the Museum of São João de Alporão), was the estate of Pero Sem and its tower. Between 1454 and 1516, following the death of one of Pero de Sem descendant the tower passed into the hands of João Sanches (Sanchez) and his wife Isabel Brandão (Brandoa), daughter of João Brandão,