Centum-Cellas Tower

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Gaia

Location

The Torre de Centum-Cellas stands in the locality of Colmeal da Torre, within the municipality of Belmonte, which in turn is located in the district of Castelo Branco. This unique historical monument is harmoniously integrated into a predominantly rural and tranquil landscape, characteristic of Beira Interior.

Its position on the land offers a serene environment, conducive to contemplation of the structure and its context. Visitors will find here a setting where quietude is associated with the presence of a long-standing built legacy, emerging in the surrounding landscape.

Origin and Historical Conjectures

The Torre de Centum-Cellas is a remarkable example of Roman architecture in the Iberian Peninsula, with its construction generally attributed to the 1st century AD. Its robust structure, built in opus incertum and with granite ashlar elements, attests to the solidity of Roman engineering.

Its popular name, "Centum-Cellas", meaning "one hundred cells", derives from the multiple openings and compartments visible on its facade, which spark the imagination. The original function of this construction has been the subject of various interpretations over the years, with theories suggesting it was a horreum (Roman granary), a strategic watchtower, or even an integral part of a villa rustica, a large rural estate. Its architectural complexity and the solidity of its design attest to the economic importance and Roman presence in the region.

Architecture and Appearance

This millennia-old monument stands out in the landscape due to its unique shape and remarkable preservation. The tower rises in three stories above ground, revealing a series of openings and niches that justify its popular name.

The granite construction details and the opus incertum technique give it a distinctive visual texture, inviting close observation. Its imposing presence in the modest surrounding rural landscape is a testament to the durability and grandeur of Roman buildings.

Scenic Value and Temporal Context

The Torre de Centum-Cellas offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity for direct immersion into a distant past, inviting imagination about the lives and activities that took place there about two millennia ago. Its value lies not only in its antiquity and functional enigma but also in how the structure harmonizes with the surrounding environment.

The visit allows for deep reflection on the resilience of Roman engineering and the influence of ancient civilizations in shaping the territory and local culture, in a setting of remarkable quietude and scenic beauty.

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