Walls of Almeida Square

Category: Military Architecture > Wall

District: Guarda > Almeida > Almeida > Arrabalde de Santo António

Location and Importance

, Located in the village of Almeida, Guarda District.

, Considered one of the most impressive fortifications in Portugal, alongside the Fortress-cities of Valença and Elvas.

History

, Originated in the 17th century, during the Restoration of Portugal's independence.

, Final structure completed in the 18th century by the Count of Lippe.

, Involved in important historical conflicts, such as the Peninsular War and the Liberal Wars.

Classification

, National Monument since 1928.

Structure and Architecture

, Vauban style with an irregular star-shaped plan.

, Comprises six bastions and six ravelins, in a perimeter of 2,500 meters.

, Moat with 12 meters of depth and width varying from 10 to 62 meters.

Main Bastions

, Bastion of São Pedro (Saint Peter).

, Bastion of Bandeira (Flag).

, Bastion of Nossa Senhora das Brotas (Our Lady of Brotas) (or do Trem).

, Bastion of Santa Bárbara (Saint Barbara) (or Praça Alta, High Square).

, Bastion of São João de Deus (Saint John of God).

, Bastion of São Francisco (Saint Francis).

Ravelins and Accesses

, Ravelin da Cruz (of the Cross).

, Ravelin da Brecha (of the Breach).

, Ravelin de Santo António (of Saint Anthony).

, Ravelin do Paiol (of the Powder Magazine).

, Ravelin Doble (Double Ravelin).

, Ravelin dos Amores (of the Lovers).

Main Gates

Santo António Gates (North) and São Francisco Gates (or da Cruz, of the Cross).

Internal Structures

, Quartel das Esquadras (Squads Barracks): Former Infantry Barracks with royal coat of arms.

, Casemates: 20 bomb-proof underground rooms.

, Parade Ground, esplanades, barracks, powder magazines and workshops.

Historical-Military Museum

, Inaugurated in 2009, occupies old casemates.

, Seven thematic rooms covering from prehistory to World War I.

Status and Conservation

, Almeida is a Historical Village of Portugal.

, Well-preserved fortification with several original structures visible.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praça-forte_de_Almeida

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