Walls of Almeida Square

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.