Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > São Pedro da Cadeira > Casal dos Cochos
This significant portion of the 1st defensive line of the Lines of Torres Vedras is strategically positioned in Casal dos Cochos, in the locality of São Pedro da Cadeira, belonging to the municipality of Torres Vedras, in the district of Lisbon.
The location offers a privileged perspective over the surrounding rural and undulating landscape, characteristic of the Oeste region, which extends to the horizon. Its elevation was crucial for observation and defense, allowing for broad visibility of the surrounding territory.
This fortification is a unique testament to one of the greatest feats of 19th-century military engineering. Integrated into the 1st defensive line of the vast Lines of Torres Vedras system, it was built between 1809 and 1810 with the fundamental purpose of protecting Lisbon from an imminent invasion by French troops, during the Peninsular Wars.
The defensive system was not based on large isolated fortifications, but rather on an intricate network of hundreds of bulwarks, redoubts, military roads, and control points, all meticulously planned to take advantage of the natural topography and form an impenetrable barrier.
On the ground, the vestiges of the remarkable defensive architecture implemented here are still visible. Although the passage of time and nature have shaped the landscape, it is possible to discern the lines of the old earthworks, ditches, and platforms where garrisons and artillery were positioned.
These "Lines and Towers" represent an innovative military approach, where integration with the natural environment was crucial. Every elevation, every geographical feature was used to create interconnected defensive positions, allowing for a coordinated and effective response against any enemy advance.
Visiting this point of the 1st defensive line in São Pedro da Cadeira is an opportunity to delve into a decisive chapter of Portugal's history. The site invites reflection on the monumentality of the collective effort and the ingenuity of the military tactics that ensured the kingdom's sovereignty.
The serene environment and the contact with the surrounding nature provide a conducive setting for understanding the strategic and cultural importance of these lines, which became a symbol of the resilience and defensive capacity of a nation.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.0944618,-9.3795579
Coordinates DMS: 39°05'40.1"N 09°22'46.4"W
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On-duty Pharmacy São Pedro da Cadeira
