Tower of Centum Cellas (Centum Cellae, Centum Celli, Centum Caeles, Centcellas, Centum Coeli)

Category: Archaeology > Villa

District: Castelo Branco > Belmonte > Gaia

Location and History

, Located on Mount Santo Antão, in Colmeal da Torre, Belmonte.

, Formerly known as the Tower of São Cornélio.

, National Monument since 1927.

Unique Structure in Ruins

, Lithic monument in ruins, arousing curiosity and studies.

, Legends and theories surround its history, such as the prison with a hundred cells.

, It is suggested that it was part of a Roman "villa," with an urban part identified in the tower.

Primitive Function and Legends

, Possible use as a "prætorium" (Roman encampment).

, Legends associate the prison of São Cornélio and its hundred cells.

History and Roman Owner

, Property of Lúcio Cecílio, a tin merchant in the 1st century.

, Destruction by fire in the 3rd century, later rebuilt.

Medieval Period and Decline

, Possible role in the defense of the border between Portugal and León.

, Received a charter from Sancho I of Portugal in 1188.

, Transfer of the municipality to Belmonte, initiating its decline.

Architectural Features

, Rectangular building with three floors and 12 meters in height.

, Absence of a roof, with multiple openings.

, Friezes separate the floors, highlighting the structure.

Conservation Project and Interpretive Center

, Consolidation project and interpretive center planned.

, Budgeted at around 600 thousand euros.

, Objectives: preservation, prevention of landslides, and historical interpretation.

, Location of the center about 10 meters from the tower.

, Exploration of different versions of the monument's origin.

Practical Information

, Accessible location on Mount Santo Antão.

, Possibility to explore the ruins and learn about their history.

, Awaiting authorization for the start of the conservation project.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torre_de_Centocelas

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