Stronghold of the Couple from the Mountain

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Casal de Vale Bois > Casal da Serra

Location

Positioned at 250 meters above sea level, the Casal da Serra Fort stands in the rural tranquility of the Casal da Serra area, near the locality of Casal de Vale Bois, in the municipality of Mafra. This elevation offers a wide perspective of the surrounding landscape, characteristic of the Western region of Portugal.

A Pillar of the Torres Lines

The Casal da Serra Fort is a testament to 19th-century military architecture, erected as an integral part of the Second Defensive Line of the notable Torres Vedras Lines. This vast network of fortifications was conceived by order of General Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) in the context of the French Invasions, aiming to protect Lisbon from an enemy advance. In 1810, this military work was formally designated as the Casal da Serra Fort by Major Brandão de Sousa, marking its strategic importance at the time.

The 19th-Century Military Structure

Originally, the fort's structure was designed to house a garrison of 280 soldiers and armament consisting of three 9-pounder cannons. The troops defending this area of Mafra, including the Casal da Serra Fort, were militias and ordenanças. These soldiers, integrated into the Lecor Division, were equipped with weaponry such as Baker carbines and Brown Bess muskets, reflecting the military equipment used during that historical period.

From Battlefield to Cultural Landmark

Currently, the Casal da Serra Fort transcends its initial military function, being recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark. Built in the 19th century, the structure has maintained a reasonable state of conservation, allowing today's visitors to connect with its defensive past. It represents a point of interest that invites reflection on the history and military strategy that shaped this territory in the early 19th century, and it is classified as an integral part of the Torres Vedras Lines complex.

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