Redoubt of Alquiteira

Category: Archaeology > Redoubt

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Silveira

Location

The Alquiteira Redoubt is located in the locality of Silveira, in the municipality of Torres Vedras, within the district of Lisbon. This historical site is situated in a strategic and elevated position, characteristic of military works of its time. Its location allows for a wide perspective of the surrounding landscape, offering unobstructed views that were once crucial for surveillance and defense.

The environment is typically rural, with the redoubt harmonizing with the topography of the land, testifying to the ingenuity with which it was integrated into the region's natural landscape. The atmosphere is one of tranquility, inviting contemplation of the scenery and imagination of the historical events that unfolded there.

The Legacy of the Lines of Torres

This redoubt is an integral part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a remarkable system of fortifications secretly built in the early 19th century to defend Lisbon from the French Invasions. Identified as Military Work 31, the Alquiteira Redoubt played a vital role in this monumental defensive line.

Its historical importance lies in the fact that it was part of a military strategy that managed to halt the advance of Napoleonic troops, protecting the Portuguese capital and influencing the outcome of the Peninsular War. Visiting the Alquiteira Redoubt is, therefore, to delve into one of the most decisive chapters of European military history.

The Structure of a Redoubt

As a "redoubt", the Alquiteira Redoubt is an example of field fortification, characterized by its temporary nature and the predominance of earthworks in its construction. Typically, a redoubt is a self-contained defensive structure, designed for the garrisoning of troops and artillery, capable of withstanding enemy attacks.

Although original elements may be altered by time, its shape and positioning reveal the intelligence of the military engineering of the era. Visitors can still perceive the configuration of its bastions, ditches, and parapets that once served to protect the defenders and their weapons.

Scenic and Contemplative Value

Beyond its undeniable historical and military value, the Alquiteira Redoubt offers an experience that transcends the merely didactic. Its elevation provides panoramic views over valleys and hills, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the Torres Vedras region.

The site invites a moment of introspection, where the landscape merges with the memory of past events. The serenity of the natural environment contrasts with the turbulence of the times for which it was conceived, providing a unique opportunity to reflect on human resilience and the importance of preserving historical heritage.

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