Keep

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Guarda > Sabugal > Sabugal > Sabugal e Aldeia de Santo António

Location

The Keep stands imposingly on the highest point of Sabugal village, integrated into its medieval castle. Its dominant position allows it to control the surrounding landscape, including the crossing of the Côa river, giving it remarkable visibility on the horizon.

Situated on a small plateau in the Serra da Malcata, the tower is a central and unmistakable element in Sabugal's architecture, marking its presence in the urbanization of the parish of Sabugal and Aldeia de Santo António.

Distinctive Architecture

The most notable feature of this tower is its unusual pentagonal shape. This architectural singularity is so striking that it gave rise to the defensive complex's nickname as the "Castle of the Five Corners". The tower, though robust and defensive, presents a lofty and graceful line, distinguished by its unique design.

Inside, the tower is distributed over several floors, revealing Gothic-style spaces with vaulted ceilings. The keystones of these vaults are often ornamented with shields displaying the national quinas, a detail that underlines its connection to Portugal's identity.

Traces of History and Defense

The construction of the Keep is intrinsically linked to the strategy of consolidating the Portuguese border. Its main construction occurred during the reign of King Dinis, after the signing of the Treaty of Alcanices in 1297, which definitively fixed the possession of Sabugal and the lands of Ribacôa for Portugal. The works, which included the tower, were completed around 1303.

The upper compartment of the tower benefits from good natural lighting, provided by doors that give access to projecting balconies. These elements, equipped with machicolations, were essential for vertical defense, allowing for surveillance and protection of the main entrance to the castle's parade ground.

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