in 1974, the municipal government petitioned the dgemn to reconstruct the clock-tower, and demolish a pre-existing annex used by a shipowner (who had constructed his offices here since it offered a clear view of the sea, allowing him to prepare his ships for loading/unloading). the proposal was submitted to the "direcção-geral de assuntos culturais" ("general directorate on cultural issues"). while the church was given from the city government to the regional government in 1977, it wasn't until 1993 before the first modern renovations were started by the"secretaria regional de educação e cultura" ("regional secretariate for education and culture"). during these recuperations a tunnel staircase and room was discovered partially destroyed in the main courtyard, which was the accessway and older cistern destroyed when nicolau maria raposo's family occupied the land.