Strong 3rd of Calhandriz

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Arruda dos Vinhos > S. Tiago dos Velhos > Á-Do-Mourão

Location

Located in the Á-Do-Mourão area, in the locality of S. Tiago dos Velhos, within the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos, the 3rd Fort of Calhandriz stands in a strategic position on the Serra da Calhandriz. At 345 meters above sea level, this location offers a broad perspective over the rural surroundings, standing out for its natural landscape and the view that was once essential for the defense of Portuguese territory.

A Legacy of the French Invasions

This fort, also known as Forte do Casalado or Forte do Cartaxo, is part of the vast defensive system of the Lines of Torres Vedras, built in the 19th century. Its construction was a crucial response to the Napoleonic invasions of Portugal, demonstrating the urgent need to create a robust barrier to protect the capital. The presence of this fort is a silent testament to the capacity for organization and the determination to defend the country during a period of great historical turmoil.

Military Design and Function

With an irregular seven-sided polygonal plan, the 3rd Fort of Calhandriz was carefully designed to function as a central redoubt in the Heights of Calhandriz. Classified as military work number 123 within the first line of defense, it was designed to house a garrison of about three hundred soldiers and would have been equipped with three 12-pounder artillery pieces, evidencing its tactical importance in the defensive line of the time.

A Landmark of Memory and Contemplation

Currently, the 3rd Fort of Calhandriz serves as a historical and cultural landmark, inviting the exploration of the vestiges of Portugal's military past. Its structure, preserved in the rural landscape, offers visitors the opportunity to reflect on the events that shaped national history. It is a place that allows direct contact with the memory of the Lines of Torres Vedras, highlighting the relevance of this classified heritage for present and future generations.

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