Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Guarda > Almeida > Almeida > Centro Histórico
The Terreiro das Freiras Infantry Barracks, also known by the designation of Barracks of the Squadrons, is deeply rooted in the Historic Center of Almeida, a notable fortified town in the Guarda district. Its presence in the square that gives it its name, a space once linked to the presence of convents, places it in the heart of the population's social and military life. This building occupies a strategic position within the bastion walls that define Almeida's identity, contributing to the historical and military atmosphere that permeates the entire locality.
As one walks through the streets that converge on this point, the visitor becomes aware of the barracks' integration into the urban fabric, revealing how military life merged with civil daily life in this border fortress. Its location invites an immersion into the atmosphere of a defensive center, where each structure told a part of Portugal's military history.
The building that stands in Terreiro das Freiras is an architectural testament to Almeida's long military history. Designated as the Infantry Barracks and also as the Barracks of the Squadrons, this structure played a vital role in the town's military life, housing and organizing the military forces responsible for the defense of this important border fortress.
Over the centuries, and particularly in times of great conflicts such as the Restoration Wars or the French Invasions, the barracks would have been a crucial point of defensive activity. Soldiers gathered here, strategies were planned, and the necessary order was maintained for the fortress's garrison. Its existence reflects Almeida's strategic importance in the Portuguese military chessboard, serving as a base for the troops that protected national sovereignty in the Guarda region.
From an architectural point of view, the former barracks exhibit the functional and robust characteristics typical of a civilian building adapted or constructed for military purposes. Its structure, likely built with the granite stone common in the region, denotes a solidity and sobriety that prioritized durability and utility over any decorative ostentation. Its lines are direct, mirroring the pragmatic purpose of housing and supporting infantry units.
Despite its formal simplicity, the building's size and how it integrates into the square reveal its importance as a hub of activity. Its various internal sections would have been organized to accommodate the lodgings for the squadrons, command areas, and perhaps material depots, all designed to ensure the garrison's operational efficiency. The barracks are, therefore, an example of architecture that emphasizes the functionality and adaptability of the era's constructions to the defensive needs of Almeida.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.72415463145576, -6.905697295931611
Coordinates DMS: 40°43'27.0"N 06°54'20.5"W
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