Fort of the Batteries I

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Castelo Branco > Proença-a-Nova > Montes da Senhora

Location

The Fort of the Batteries I stands in Montes da Senhora, a locality in the municipality of Proença-a-Nova, in the district of Castelo Branco, with a strategic position in the Catraia Cimeira area. Its implantation on the terrain was carefully planned, reflecting its territorial defense and access control function, typical of military fortifications of the era.

The natural setting surrounding the fort offers views of the enveloping landscape, highlighting the importance of its location within a historical context of vigilance and territorial protection.

Historical Memory

The Fort of the Batteries I represents a significant testimony to the era of the Peninsular Invasions, a turbulent period in Portuguese history that took place between 1807 and 1814. Its construction mirrors the pressing need to establish strategic defense and control points in times of conflict and instability.

Conceived as a military battery, this fort played a fundamental role in the region's safeguarding strategy. Its structure and location were crucial for the installation and operation of artillery, aimed at protecting the territory against invading forces.

Archaeological Discoveries

The site of the Fort of the Batteries I has been the stage for archaeological investigations that have allowed the unveiling of crucial details of its construction and functionality. Recently, remains of what is believed to be the original access path to the fort, located south of the main structure, have been identified.

Excavation work continues with the aim of exploring its interior, seeking to identify the location of a gunpowder store and other buildings that were part of this battery. These revelations provide a deeper understanding of the military architecture of the era and the daily life associated with this historic defense structure.

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