Category: Military Architecture > Fort
District: Lisboa > Arruda dos Vinhos > S. Tiago dos Velhos
The Carvalha Fort stands in the parish of S. Tiago dos Velhos, part of the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos. It is located at the highest point of the municipality, which gives it a dominant position in the landscape. From this location, it is possible to enjoy wide views over the surrounding area, including the Arruda Valley, a strategic aspect for its original function.
Built between 1809 and 1810, the Carvalha Fort was part of the vast defensive system of the Lines of Torres Vedras. This set of fortifications was erected with great urgency and secrecy to protect the Portuguese capital from potential French invasions during the Peninsular War. Although it was one of the many military posts planned to halt the enemy's advance or ensure the withdrawal of allied forces, the fort never became the scene of major battles, fulfilling its role through mere presence and deterrent capacity.
The structure of the Carvalha Fort features an irregular star-shaped plan, carefully adapted to the terrain's characteristics. Its embrasures, where artillery pieces would be installed, had a paved floor, resting on a base prepared with stones and mortar to ensure stability. To offer additional protection against enemy fire, the fort also incorporated a Través, an earth structure that functioned as a defensive barrier.
In 2010, the Carvalha Fort underwent a significant restoration intervention, coinciding with the bicentennial of the construction of the Lines of Torres Vedras. This recovery work allowed for the enhancement of the site and made it accessible, contributing to the preservation of the historical memory of these notable military defenses. Today, the fort is a testament to the military engineering of the time and an invitation to discover a relevant piece of Portugal's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.972945187755, -9.1037095938776
Coordinates DMS: 38°58'22.6"N 09°06'13.4"W
On-duty Pharmacy S. Tiago dos Velhos
