Redoubt of the Lazy

Category: Archaeology > Redoubt

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Sarge

Location

The Reduto da Ordasqueira is situated in the tranquil locality of Sarge, which belongs to the municipality of Torres Vedras. Erected at an altitude of 134 meters, this location benefits from an elevated position, offering a view over the surrounding rural landscape. Its implantation at this strategic point makes evident the importance the area held in times of conflict, allowing visitors to understand its role in the vast defensive system.

The Legacy of the Lines of Torres Vedras

This redoubt, also known as Reduto do Sarge, is one of the military works that comprised the first defensive line of the famous Lines of Torres Vedras. Built in the 19th century, it played a vital role in the defense of Lisbon against French invasions during the Peninsular War. Designed to house a garrison of approximately 300 soldiers and some artillery pieces, its main function was to block the road to Runa, a strategic access at the time.

The order for its construction came from General Wellesley, later the Duke of Wellington, who led the construction of this formidable defensive barrier. The name "Ordasqueira" or "Sarge" was attributed to it in 1810, highlighting its connection to local identity. Visiting this point allows one to connect with a crucial period in Portuguese history, where military engineering and determination were decisive for the outcome of the war.

A Landmark in the Landscape

Although today the Reduto da Ordasqueira presents itself more as a historical-cultural landmark than a complete fortification, the site invites contemplation and imagination. The vestiges found here are silent testimonies of its military past, allowing visitors to visualize what this defensive point once was. It is a space where one can reflect on the events that shaped the region and the country, feeling the historical dimension of the landscape.

Its current use, focused on preserving memory and cultural and recreational interest, allows the area to be enjoyed peacefully, offering direct contact with a piece of history embedded in a natural environment. It is a place that, despite transformations over time, maintains its relevance as an integral part of the heritage of the Lines of Torres Vedras.

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