Lighthouse Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Leiria > Óbidos > Pinhal

Location

The Facho Tower is located in the locality of Pinhal, within the municipality of Óbidos. Although somewhat more secluded from the central nucleus of the walled town, this tower constitutes a historical landmark in the region's landscape, connecting it to its most remote origins.

Its presence defines a particularity of the environment, offering a glimpse of a quieter area, yet deeply linked to the past of Óbidos.

Millennial Roots

The Facho Tower stands out for its remarkable antiquity, being considered one of the oldest structures in the entire Óbidos area. Its architectural conception suggests a clear Roman influence, directly linking it to the most primitive foundations of the region.

It is believed that its construction may be associated with an ancient castro, a pre-Roman fortified settlement, or even with the discovery of the Roman city of Eburobritium. This deep connection to the past offers a unique perspective on the first human settlements in this territory.

Features and Symbolism

The architecture of the Facho Tower, with its unmistakable Roman-style design, reflects a highly solid construction typology. Its simple and robust form is a testament to the skill of the builders of the time.

The name “Facho” refers to the tower's probable original function: to serve as a point of surveillance and communication. It is presumed that, in the past, a fire or torch, a facho, was lit at its summit to transmit messages or warn of approaching dangers, linking it to a signaling network that would have been vital for the community's safety.

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