In a Lisbon suburban area where the population originally lived essentially from agriculture, the Gunpowder Factory introduced the industrial activity and became the largest employer when it was set up in the XVI century. Nowadays, it's a quiet place with a creek, gardens, botanic nurseries, restaurants and cafés, bars, picnics area, playground, an open air auditorium for cultural events and, last but not least, a Museum that preserves the memory of the activity developed in the industrial facilities.
Workers were identified by number plates. There were two boards. As the worker passed the factory gate, he picked up his personal identification number from one of the boards and hung it on another one that was closest to the factory entrance door. Today, there would be a time attendance recorder...
At the Sun Square
Formerly used for drying the gunpowder in the sun, these days, the Sun Square is a place for leisure. It's a tribute to the sun and all the workers who died in the many explosions that have cast a dark shadow over the history of the factory.
Hope you enjoy the slide-show....
~~ Thanks for stopping by ~~
~~ Have a wonderful weekend ~~
