New Gate Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Braga > Barcelos > Barcelos > Misericórdia

Location

The New Gate Tower is located in Barcelos, in the urban area of Misericórdia, a central part of the city. Given its elevation, the tower offers visitors the opportunity to observe a vast landscape. From its top, it is possible to contemplate Barcelos' historic center, the surroundings of the Cávado River, and, in the distance, Mount Franqueira, drawing a characteristic panorama of the region.

The Tower in Barcelos' History

This unique building is the only structure remaining from the three main gates of Barcelos' ancient medieval wall. The construction of this defensive enclosure dates back to the 15th century, an ambitious project driven by Dom Afonso, the eighth Count of Barcelos and, later, first Duke of Bragança. Throughout the centuries, the New Gate Tower played several important roles for the community. Initially, it served as the alcaide's residence and, subsequently, was used as a prison until the early 20th century. Its historical and patrimonial value was formally recognized in 1926, when it was classified as a National Monument.

Architecture and Adaptation

The New Gate Tower is characterized by its quadrangular plan structure, notable for the robustness of its construction. Its walls, built with large blocks of granite, reach a thickness of two meters in some points, testifying to the solidity of medieval construction techniques. In the 16th century, the tower underwent interventions that added a Renaissance-inspired crowning and battlements, elements that contributed to its current designation. More recently, between 2010 and 2013, the monument underwent a rehabilitation process, preparing it to receive and inform visitors, reinforcing its role as a place of patrimonial and cultural interest. This intervention was distinguished in 2014, highlighting the effort to make the space accessible to the public.

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