Category: Civil Architecture > Tower
District: Leiria > Bombarral > Carvalhal
Situated in the locality of Carvalhal, in the municipality of Bombarral, district of Leiria, the Carvalhal Tower stands in an area that offers a glimpse of the rural landscape and the calmer environment of the region. Its presence marks the local landscape, allowing visitors to observe the surroundings with its unobstructed view over the fields and the houses of the parish. It is located at a point that, although not of great altitude, stands out in its immediate vicinity, giving it a notable presence.
Known both as Carvalhal Tower and Lafetas Tower, this singular structure is a visible link to Bombarral's past. Its origin dates back to times when the need for vigilance or the representation of power were crucial aspects of local life. It likely served as a control point or a defensive element integrated into a larger property, possibly a farm or a manor house, belonging to a prominent family in the region, the designation "Lafetas" may be linked to former owners. Its construction reflects a period of intense human activity and territorial organization in Carvalhal.
In architectural terms, the Carvalhal Tower exhibits the characteristic robustness of constructions from yesteryear. It is a square-plan tower, built of stone masonry, which denotes practical functionality and durable construction. Its thick walls and the apparent simplicity of its lines convey a sense of solidity and resilience, having withstood centuries. Despite natural and human transformations over time, the tower retains elements that allow one to imagine its original form and its role in the daily lives of the people who once inhabited or defended it.
More than a simple stone structure, the Carvalhal Tower is a silent testament to the history and evolution of Bombarral's landscape. It represents the memory of past eras, of people and ways of life that shaped the region. Its solitary presence in the rural environment invites reflection on the passage of time and the permanence of certain landmarks. It is a point of interest that invites careful observation, revealing the simplicity and beauty of the historical architecture that punctuates the Portuguese territory.
Sources: https://pt.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficheiro:Torre_dos_Lafetás_-_Carvalhal_-_Portugal_(51915451283).jpg
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.28803853885033,-9.129711233992564
Coordinates DMS: 39°17'16.9"N 09°07'47.0"W