Carvalhal Tower

Category: Civil Architecture > Tower

District: Évora > Montemor-o-Novo > Santiago do Escoural

Location

Situated in the heart of Alentejo, in the locality of Santiago do Escoural, municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, the Torre do Carvalhal rises on the hillside of the Serra de Monfurado, at an altitude of 321 meters. The site is surrounded by a vast forest area, part of the ancient Quinta do Carvalhal, and is isolated by high walls, which gives it an atmosphere of tranquility and exclusivity. Its position offers a glimpse of the Alentejo landscape, characterized by the serenity of the countryside and natural preservation, integrating into the Natura 2000 Network as a Site of Community Importance for Monfurado.

A Residential Fortress

The Torre do Carvalhal is a remarkable example of late-medieval residential architecture in Alentejo. Erected in the 16th century, its initial conception as a quadrangular 'tower-house' reflects the dual function these structures played at the time: to be both a noble dwelling and a symbol of power and territorial control. These 'domus-fortis', as they were known, represented the affirmation of nobility in the rural space, combining the security of a military element with the comfort, albeit modest, of a residence. The imposing height of approximately 17 meters of the tower stands out in the landscape, underlining the importance of its former owners.

Architecture and Evolution

The structure of the tower reveals a fascinating constructive evolution. Initially, the construction was more slender, but throughout the 16th century, a new body was added to it, probably under the direction of the stonemason Diogo Velho. This addition significantly amplified its original volume, transforming it to accommodate more spacious divisions, such as rooms and fireplaces, adapting it fully to noble residential life. Distinct architectural elements can be observed, such as the ashlar cornerstones and partial vaults on its three floors.

The facades feature a variety of openings, from narrow slits of a more defensive character to more elaborate window openings, such as one with a quadrilobed keel arch or those with a straight bevelled lintel. Also noteworthy are decorative details, such as the tubular gargoyles in ashlar and the chamfered merlons in brick masonry, which denote the influence of Manueline art with Mudéjar touches, a common style in the Alentejo region. Inside the ground floor, vestiges of vaulting and granite corbels adorned with vegetal and geometric motifs are still visible, testifying to the original decorative richness. A curiosity are the narrow and projecting compartments on two of the facades, whose original function remains uncertain.

Noble Past

The history of Torre do Carvalhal is intrinsically linked to prominent figures of 16th-century Alentejo. André de Vilalobos e Vasconcelos, a knight of the Order of Avis, was responsible for its initial construction, using the tower as a landmark of his influence in the region. Over the centuries, the tower remained in the possession of noble families, even serving as lodging for kings in the 18th century.

At certain times, it was even known as the 'Monks' Tower', a name that echoes its once isolated and peaceful environment. Although currently vacant, the Torre do Carvalhal invites reflection on noble life and the architectural evolution of Alentejo over the centuries, providing direct contact with a significant piece of regional history.

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