Coutada Lookout

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Beja > Moura > Moura > Fábrica do Visconde

Location

Situated in the area of the Visconde Factory, in the locality of Moura, the Atalaia da Coutada stands atop a hill. It is located a short distance from the left bank of the Ribeira de Toutalga, strategically positioned a few kilometers southeast of the town of Moura and not far from the point where the Toutalga joins the Ribeira do Ardila.

A Historical Legacy

The Atalaia da Coutada played a crucial role in the defensive system of the Moura region, especially after the Christian conquest of the territory. Erected during the time of King Afonso III, it functioned as an advanced lookout post, essential for the security of the Moura fortress. It was not merely a watchtower; its remains also suggest it was a manorial castle, indicating a structure of greater scale and importance at the time.

The Current Structure

On site, the remnants of the old military construction are visible. Among the vestiges, a masonry tower stands out, which, uniquely, is now used as a dwelling. This adaptation gives an interesting perspective to the watchtower, which continues to mark the landscape, blending its military history with a living presence in the present day.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt