Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues

Opened in 1884, the Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues whispers stories of a vibrant past. This grand institution, initially known as the Escola de Desenho Industrial Afonso Domingues, began its life humbly in a rented house on Calçada do Grilo. It started with just 53 students, eager to learn the arts of drawing and industrial design. The Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues later found a more opulent home in the palace of the Count of Bertiandos. It eventually moved to its final location here in Marvila, on land once known as Quinta das Veigas. The current buildings, inaugurated in 1956, showcase a mid-20th century design by architect José Silva Costa. Imagine bustling workshops and labs, filled with the clang of machinery and the hum of learning. This school was a vital part of the community, providing professional and technical training for generations of students. The Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues even earned the nickname, “University of Xabregas,” reflecting its important role in educating the children of local factory workers. The school’s history intertwined with prominent figures like the Nobel laureate José Saramago, who studied mechanics here between 1935 and 1940. He later recounted how the school’s literature curriculum ignited his passion for reading, despite his humble beginnings. Sadly, the Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues closed its doors in 2010. Initially slated for demolition to make way for the proposed TGV high-speed rail line and the Third Crossing of the Tagus, the school now stands silent. Its once vibrant halls and workshops now bear the scars of vandalism and neglect. Despite its current state of disrepair, echoes of laughter, learning, and community still resonate within these walls. The Escola Secundária Afonso Domingues stands as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, awaiting its uncertain future.