Albarrã Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Faro > Silves > Silves > Enxerim

Location

The Albarrana Tower is located in the Enxerim area, a part of the city of Silves. Although it is situated in a more recent area of Silves' urban fabric, its presence establishes a visible link with the city's defensive legacy. The tower stands in a position that, once strategic, now invites observation of the fusion between the past and present of the locality.

Historical Importance

The Albarrana Tower was built in the second half of the 12th century, during the Almohad dynasty, a period of significant Islamic influence in the region. It was part of an advanced system of fortifications that protected the ancient city of Xelb, Islamic Silves, highlighting its vital strategic importance. The existence of an albarrana tower in Silves was even documented by an anonymous crusader in the year 1189, a direct testament to its presence and defensive function during the first Christian conquest of the city.

Architectural Features

The Albarrana Tower is a notable example of Islamic military architecture. It is characterized by its construction in red masonry, using Silves sandstone, a local rock that gives the structure a distinctive color. Its quadrangular shape is typical of albarrana towers of this period, projecting in front of the main wall line to offer an advanced defensive position. The construction technique, known as taipa militar (military rammed earth), was a sophisticated method for its time, allowing for the erection of robust and durable fortifications.

A Visible Legacy

The Albarrana Tower is one of the elements that contribute to the uniqueness of Silves' fortified complex, one of the best-preserved from the Islamic period in Portugal. Its presence is a tangible reminder of Silves' importance as the capital of a vast territory during the Almohad period, offering a window into understanding the engineering and defensive strategy of that time. This tower, as part of a once grand system, allows visitors to imagine the life and challenges faced by the inhabitants of the medieval city.

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