Bera Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Coimbra > Coimbra > Almalaguês > Torre de Bera

Location

Bera Tower is located in the small village of the same name, part of the parish of Almalaguês, in the municipality of Coimbra. Situated on a rocky spur, slightly below the village cluster, it offers a privileged perspective over the valley that stretches out at its feet. The surroundings are characterized by a tranquil and rural landscape, dominated by low-lying and arboreal vegetation, contributing to a serene atmosphere. The village maintains a peaceful ambiance, with its narrow streets inviting visitors for a walk.

A Legacy of the Reconquista

This Romanesque tower is a testament to Portugal's medieval history, dating back to a period between the 11th and 12th centuries, although its origin might be even older, with signs of Roman materials repurposed in its construction. Bera Tower was built as a military watchtower, playing a crucial role in the defensive line south of the Mondego River. Its function was to guard and protect emerging settlements in a militarily unstable region, frequently subject to attacks. It was, therefore, a strategic point for the defense of the fertile fields of the Dueça valley, fitting into the style known as "Count's Romanesque", characterized by the robustness and simplicity of its lines.

Architecture and Present State

Of Bera Tower's original structure, only two of its walls remain today (those on the south and east sides) still showing vestiges of three floors. Its walls, built with limestone tuff on the lower floor and sandstones on the upper ones, decreased in thickness with each story, creating offsets that once supported the floors. Although time and lack of intervention have left their marks, with the structure in a precarious state of conservation and with crumbled parts, the tower has shown remarkable resilience, having survived, for instance, the large forest fires of 2005. Over the years, initiatives and proposals for its conservation have emerged, underscoring the value of this historical and cultural landmark.

Village Character

The village of Torre de Bera, which received its name from this ancient military watchtower, possesses a genuine and traditional character. In 1938, its authenticity was recognized by achieving second place in the prestigious competition "The Most Portuguese Village of Portugal", an accomplishment that highlights its cultural and patrimonial value. In addition to its history, the locality is also known for the practice of weaving, an art that keeps local traditions and customs alive, contributing to the uniqueness of the place.

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