Castro Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Braga > Amares > Carrazedo > Igreja

Location

Torre do Castro rises in the locality of Carrazedo, in the municipality of Amares, in a predominantly rural setting. Located in Lugar do Castro, it stands out on a small hill on the right bank of the Cávado river. Its position offers a perspective of the surrounding landscape, with the tower itself being a striking element in the panorama. The property where it is located maintains its agricultural characteristics and is protected by an old wall and a moat, which still today highlight its past as a fortification.

A Deep-Rooted History

The origins of Torre do Castro are profoundly ancient, dating back to a Castro settlement with a wall and moat in Protohistory. The construction of the tower, probably in the mid-14th century, marks its evolution from a defensive site to an imposing noble house. Over the centuries, this house-tower was the scene of important transformations and a rich family history, linked to the Lords of Entre Homem e Cávado, particularly to the Machado family and, later, to the Orozco. Historical documents, such as the 13th-century Inquiries, already referred to a fortified tower in this location, attesting to its strategic relevance since remote times. The building withstood significant events, such as the 1755 earthquake, which, despite causing damage, did not cause it to lose its imposing character.

Architecture and Unique Details

Torre do Castro is a notable example of Gothic and Manueline architecture, conceived as a house-tower with clear defensive functions. Its quadrangular tower, with four levels, is crowned by merlons and machicolations at the corners, highlighting its military profile. The facades are adorned with bay windows and breast-high windows, as well as decorative elements such as a coat of arms of the Machado and Orozco families, roped motifs, and gargoyles. Some of these gargoyles are particularly curious, representing zoomorphic figures, such as a crocodile, and even a human figure. A 16th-century body is attached to the tower, revealing an elegant entrance with a staircase and a covered veranda. On the exterior, the remains of the wall and the defensive moat complete the image of a manor house that successfully combined military robustness with residential sophistication over the centuries.

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