Coutada Watchtower

Category: Civil Architecture > Watchtower

District: Beja > Moura > Fábrica do Visconde

Location

The Atalaia da Coutada is strategically located at the top of a hill, in the area known as Coutada, near the village of Fábrica do Visconde, in the municipality of Moura. From this elevated point, it is possible to observe part of the Alentejo landscape, with its proximity to the Toutalga stream and not far from its confluence with the Ardila stream, southeast of the town of Moura.

Its natural position offers a perspective on the surroundings, characteristic of the watch structures that mark the landscape of this historic region.

History and Purpose

This military structure is a testament to the defensive strategy of the Portuguese medieval period. The Atalaia da Coutada was erected during the reign of D. Afonso III, in the context of the consolidation and protection of borders after the Christian Reconquest. It functioned as an advanced observation post, or atalia, for the fortress of Moura.

More than a simple watchtower, its construction resembled a solar castle, highlighting its importance and the presence of nobility entrusted with its guard. Its primary purpose was to detect the approach of possible adversaries and transmit visual warnings to the main fortress, ensuring the security of the territory and its populations.

The Visible Remains

Of what was once a robust military construction, remains still stand today, telling the story of the Atalaia da Coutada. The most prominent element is a masonry tower that remains standing, revealing the solidity of its original design.

Despite the passing centuries, the architectural remnants allow visitors to imagine the dimension and function that this watchtower played in the control and defense of the region. These remains are a window to the past, allowing one to understand the importance of these isolated towers in the medieval defensive network of the Alentejo.

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