Coimbras Tower / Oriz Tower (MIP)

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Braga > Vila Verde > Cabo > Oriz (Santa Marinha) e Oriz (São Miguel)

Location

The Coimbras Tower, also known as Oriz Tower, is located in the locality of Cabo, a rural area belonging to the parishes of Oriz (Santa Marinha) and Oriz (São Miguel), in the municipality of Vila Verde. Situated halfway up a hillside, the tower is integrated into a small cluster of houses, some of them of more recent construction, which gives it a setting that blends historical features with the current life of the community. The surroundings offer a calm and characteristic perspective of the Minho landscape.

A Window to the Manor Past

With a history that extends, conjecturally, from the 14th century and underwent significant alterations in the 17th century, the Coimbras Tower is a striking example of Minho's rural noble residential architecture. Its current designation derives from its acquisition in 1530 by D. João de Coimbra, a prominent figure who was abbot of Oriz Santa Marinha and also provisor and vicar general of the Diocese of Braga. This purchase marked an important phase in the tower's life, linking it to a lineage that left its name etched in local history.

Recognizing its patrimonial importance, the Coimbras Tower / Oriz Tower was officially classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2012, which underscores its historical and cultural value for the Vila Verde region and for the country.

Architecture and Robustness

With its quadrangular plan and two floors, the tower stands out for the robustness of its granite construction, with load-bearing walls that attest to its original defensive nature. On the ground floor, an ogival arch opening is visible, and lighting was provided by narrow arrow slits, offering a glimpse into its initial protective purposes. The upper floor, once the noble hall of the residence, features more elaborate windows: on the east and west sides, the double trefoil openings are separated by a small column, while on the south facade there is a simpler and narrower window.

Architectural details include wooden window shutters and traditional stone 'conversadeiras' (stone benches) inside, elements that enrich its image. Although a more recent residential wing is attached to the tower, currently without a roof, and the complex is unoccupied, the Coimbras Tower remains a solid and imposing testament to a period of transition in noble residences, inviting reflection on the history and lives that unfolded there.

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