Eagle Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Guarda > Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo > Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo > Almofala e Escarigo

Location

The Tower of the Eagles stands on a small plateau, atop a hill, in the Parish Union of Almofala and Escarigo, in the municipality of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. This isolated and rural location offers a vast panorama of the surrounding landscape, dominated by extensive horizons. Its strategic position, with the Aguiar Stream to the west and the Rodelos Stream to the north, confers upon it a serene environment of remarkable natural beauty.

A Look Through Time

Classified as a National Monument, the Tower of the Eagles is a testament to centuries of history. Its foundations date back to the Roman era, around the 2nd century AD, when it is believed to have functioned as a temple. Over time, this building underwent significant adaptations, transforming its original purpose. In the Middle Ages, the structure was converted into a military watchtower, a crucial vantage point in the region's defensive system, playing a strategic role on the borders of Beira Interior.

Mysteries and Discoveries

Archaeological investigations carried out at the site have revealed more than just the evolution of the tower. The discovery of an altar dedicated to the god Jupiter Optimus Maximus, bearing the mention of "Civitas Cobelcorum", points to the existence of a previously unknown Roman city in this area. The Tower of the Eagles would have been a central landmark for this ancient settlement. Furthermore, traces of a medieval village were found in the vicinity, with foundations of walls and house structures, revealing a dense and enigmatic past.

Names and Legends

This monument is known by various designations throughout history, such as Casarão da Torre, Torre dos Frades, or Torre de Aguiar. The name "Torre das Águias" derives from its oldest Latin designation, "Turris Aquilaris". Associated with this site, a captivating legend of the winged horse endures. It is told that a noble lady, faced with the invasion of the Moors, threw herself from the tower and was saved by a winged horse, which carried her to a safe place. Inspired by this miracle, the invaders are said to have converted to Christianity, becoming friars, which explains one of the other names by which the tower is known.