The "Armillary Sphere", is the heraldic symbol of King D. Manuel which is used here as a decorative element in the vault. This room leads onto a balcony on the tower's southern façade, which features eight round holes in the floor, known as machicolations, through which the garrison could fend-off attacks by shooting or dropping projectiles.
On three sides of the room there are doors that open onto opulent, Venetian inspired, balcony windows. In the northwest corner is an exceptional stone fireplace with a mantelpiece adorned with half spheres.
Details