Catfish Haven

Category: Archaeology > Redoubt

District: Lisboa > Torres Vedras > Catefica > Santa Maria, São Pedro e Matacães

Location

The Redoubt of Catefica is located in the locality of Catefica, within the municipality of Torres Vedras. Built at an altitude of 224 meters, to the left of the Serra da Caduceira, this site offers a privileged perspective on the surrounding rural landscape. Its strategic position, atop an elevation, was crucial for its original function.

An 19th Century Defensive Legacy

Built in the 19th century, the Redoubt of Catefica is a fundamental piece of military architecture of that era. It was part of the First Line of Defense of Torres Vedras, a vast and ingenious defensive system erected by order of General Wellesley (later Duke of Wellington) to protect Lisbon from French invasions during the Peninsular War. The redoubt, also identified as Military Work No. 130, was designed to house a garrison of 200 soldiers and artillery, demonstrating its tactical importance in that historical period.

Heritage and Contemplation

Currently, the Redoubt of Catefica is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark. It is part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, classified as national heritage, which underlines its value to Portugal's collective memory. Visiting this site allows for an understanding of the scale of 19th-century military engineering and the resilience demonstrated. The space invites reflection on the events that shaped the country's history, while also offering an atmosphere of tranquility and the opportunity to enjoy the surrounding rural landscape.

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