Fortifications of the Village of Monsaraz and the entire intramural ensemble.

Category: Civil Architecture > Ensemble

District: Évora > Reguengos de Monsaraz > Monsaraz

Location and Context

- Located in Monsaraz, in the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz, Évora district.

- Proximity to the Guadiana River and the Alqueva Dam, with panoramic views.

- Classified as a National Monument since 1946.

Fortifications Structure

- Oval Layout: Oval and irregular shape, with the castle positioned on the southwest top.

- Wall: Walled urban fence that surrounds the village, built with schist, granite, red clay mortar and lime.

- Monsaraz Castle: Located on the highest ground, with a pentagonal plan and watchtowers.

Towers and Bulwarks

- Clock Tower: Characterized by its pyramidal dome and bell dated 1692.

- Circular Turrets: Watchtowers at the main gates and along the wall.

- Fortified System: Includes bulwarks, ravelin with three bulwarks and a steep curtain flanked by a rectangular fort.

Entry Gates

- Village Gate: Main entrance, in ogival arch, flanked by semi-cylindrical turrets, one of which with the clock tower.

- Évora Gate: North entrance in ogival arch.

- Alcoba Gate: South entrance, also in full arch.

- Buraco Gate: Southwest gate, intended to protect the cistern, in full arch.

History of the Fortifications

- Medieval Origin: Fortifications expanded and reinforced over the centuries, starting in the medieval period under D. Sancho II.

- Restoration War: Modernization of defenses in the 17th century due to the proximity of the Spanish border, with adaptations to the Vauban style.

- Period of Abandonment: In the 19th century, with the change of the municipality's headquarters to Reguengos de Monsaraz, the fortifications suffered some abandonment.

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

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