1st Battery of Pombal

Category: Arquitetura Militar > Redoubt

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Benfica

Location

The 1st Battery of Pombal is located in the locality of Benfica, in the municipality of Torres Vedras. This place is situated in a landscape that, although tranquil nowadays, was once the stage for important military movements. Its position is typical of strategically chosen areas for defensive fortifications, taking advantage of the natural topography of the region for better surveillance and protection.

A Legacy of Lisbon's Defense

This redoubt is one of the crucial elements of the famous Lines of Torres Vedras, a remarkable defensive system built in the early 19th century. Designed under the leadership of the Duke of Wellington, the main objective of these lines was to protect the city of Lisbon against French invasions. The 1st Battery of Pombal, also known by the designation Battery of Ponte do Rol I, bears witness to the ingenious military strategy that aimed to safeguard the Portuguese capital.

Construction and Strategic Purpose

As part of the first and most advanced defensive lines, the 1st Battery of Pombal is an example of field fortification. This defensive system consisted of a network of masonry redoubts that reinforced the natural obstacles of the terrain, creating a continuous barrier from the Atlantic Ocean to the Tagus River. The fort was part of a 46-kilometer-long line, connecting Alhandra to the mouth of the Sizandro River in Torres Vedras, and is a symbol of the remarkable military engineering capabilities of the time.

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