Scouts' Haunt

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

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

Location

Situated in the municipality of Torres Vedras, in the union of parishes of Santa Maria, São Pedro and Matacães, the Redoubt of Olheiros is located in an elevated position, at approximately 105 meters of altitude. Its strategic location, in the Bairro da Boavista, conferred upon it the function of the western redoubt of the city of Torres Vedras, dominating the valley and protecting the western entrance to the locality. From this point, it is possible to observe the urban surroundings and the natural landscape.

History and Purpose

The Redoubt of Olheiros is one of the integral components of the historical Lines of Torres Vedras, a vast defensive system built between 1809 and 1810 under the guidance of General Sir Arthur Wellesley, later known as the Duke of Wellington. Its construction was a crucial response to the French invasions led by Napoleon Bonaparte, with the aim of protecting Lisbon and halting the advance of enemy troops into Portuguese territory.

This fort, with a seven-sided irregular polygon plan, was designed to house a military garrison of 180 soldiers. Its main purpose was to support the nearby Fort of São Vicente, ensuring the defence of the western side of the town of Torres Vedras and its adjacent valley.

Structure and Armament

The architecture of the Redoubt of Olheiros is a testament to 19th-century military engineering. Built predominantly with stone masonry and cement mortar, the fort featured a solid structure, though not monumental compared to other larger fortifications. Its walls were designed to withstand the impact of the battles of the time.

Historical documents indicate that the redoubt was equipped with eleven embrasures in its curtains. During its period of military activity, these embrasures housed seven artillery pieces: four of 9-pounder calibre and three of 6-pounder calibre. At the centre of the structure, there was a powder magazine covered by a reinforced concrete slab, intended for the safe storage of gunpowder and ammunition.

Heritage and Conservation

Currently, the Redoubt of Olheiros is recognized as a Property of Public Interest, integrated into the Special Protection Zone of the Fort of São Vicente. This status aims to preserve its historical and architectural value for future generations. Over the years, the site has benefited from various conservation interventions to maintain its structural integrity.

In 2011, for example, significant restoration works were completed. These interventions included the structural consolidation of the redoubt, the restoration of sections of the walls, the clearing of the moat and the embrasures, the reconstitution of earth elements such as the traverses, and the general cleaning of the surrounding area. These actions ensure that the Redoubt of Olheiros continues to be a point of interest for those seeking to understand Portugal's military history.

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