Vasconcelos Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Braga > Amares > Vasconcelos

Location:

The ruins of the Tower of Vasconcelos are located in the small village of Vasconcelos, integrated into the municipality of Amares. They are situated on a spur of land that dominates a fertile rural landscape, characterized by cultivated fields. To the west, the Bárrio stream flows, which historically contributed to the natural defense of the site, while to the south and east the terrain shows steep slopes, giving the tower a prominent position over the valley.

A Medieval Testimony:

The Tower of Vasconcelos is a remarkable remnant of one of the few Romanesque manorial houses that still survive in Portugal. Built in the mid-13th century, by the initiative of Pero Anes and Rodrigo Anes de Vasconcelos, it was the cradle of the powerful family that gave its name to the Honra de Vasconcelos. This monument is recognized for its historical and architectural importance, being classified as a Property of Public Interest.

Remaining Architecture:

Originally, this structure was a "domus fortis", a type of fortified house that combined residential and defensive functions. It was composed of a main tower, of quadrangular plan, which served as a refuge, and a rectangular residential annex. Although in ruins, it is still possible to observe the tower's portal, with its arch that connected the different parts of the building. The granite stonework, the predominant material, highlights the robustness of its original construction.

The Legacy of the Vasconcelos:

The history of the Tower is intrinsically linked to the Vasconcelos family, who established their domain here. This family stood out for its strong influence and the vast set of lands they possessed, many of them fortified, which conferred great power upon them in the region, even challenging central authority in medieval times. The Tower of Vasconcelos thus represents a symbol of the power and importance of this lineage throughout the centuries.

The Popular Designation:

Beyond its historical name, the Tower is popularly known as "Casa dos Mouros" (House of the Moors). This designation, although without proven historical basis of Moorish occupation, reflects popular imagination and the legends often associated with ancient ruins, lending a certain mystery to the site and inviting the discovery of its past.

The Nearby Chapel:

A few meters from the ruins of the Tower lies the small Chapel of Santa Luzia. Although it has undergone remodels over time, this chapel was, most likely, the private place of worship of the Vasconcelos manor. Even today, it is possible to observe some consecration crosses in its structure, which attest to its medieval origin and its deep connection to the Tower complex.

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