Category: Military Architecture > Wall
District: Bragança > Torre de Moncorvo > Adeganha
Situated on the summit of a hill in the Serra de Bornes, the ancient village rises between the fertile valley of the Sabor River and the Vilariça stream. Surrounded by extensive olive groves and agricultural land, it stands out in a tranquil and largely unaltered rural environment, where the accentuated relief emphasizes the imposing nature of its walls.
Access is from the parish of Adeganha, in the municipality of Torre de Moncorvo, requiring no major infrastructures and maintaining direct contact with the surrounding nature.
Founded in the 12th century as Santa Cruz de Vilariça, it received a royal charter from D. Sancho II in 1225. During the reign of D. Dinis, the municipal seat was transferred to Torre de Moncorvo, which led to the gradual abandonment of the settlement. Since then, the place has been popularly known as “Vila Velha” (Old Village) or “Derruída” (Ruined).
Archaeological excavations carried out between 1989 and 1992 revealed ceramic, metallic, and osteological remains, as well as foundations of original constructions, attesting to the strategic and social importance of the village in the medieval period.
The walled perimeter, several meters high in some places, defines an orthogonal layout marked by the “Rua Direita” (Straight Street), which led to the main square. Here, part of a façade of the old church remains, flanked by rock-cut tombs.
On the East side, two interior walls are observed, among which remains of three dwellings are identified. Granite slabs and fragments of red roof tiles scattered on the ground reveal the predominant use of these materials in construction.
At the foot of the ruins, the final slope of the hill opens into agricultural valleys where traditional horticulture thrives. The alternation of olive groves, cereal fields, and rows of vines provides visual depth, while the depopulated cluster of houses offers a setting for contemplation and serenity.
The ensemble maintains a harmony between the military robustness of the walls and the softness of the cultivated slopes, creating a counterpoint that reinforces the historical character of the place.
Classified as a National Monument since 1992, the ancient fortified village is a living testament to the administrative and defensive organization of northeast Trás-os-Montes in the Middle Ages. The visibility of street layouts and rock-cut tombs gives it archaeological interest, while the urban configuration preserves the perception of a village with rural origins.
For visitors, this space offers direct contact with medieval memory, standing out for the authenticity of its remains and its intimate connection to the surrounding landscape.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adeganha
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 41.208956881284806,-7.090042947397053
Coordinates DMS: 41°12'32.2"N 07°05'24.2"W
Weather Adeganha
On-duty Pharmacy Adeganha
