Pelota Game Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Walls

District: Lisboa > Lisboa > Lisboa > Pena

Location

The Torre do Jogo da Péla (Péla Game Tower) is located in the bustling area of Martim Moniz, in Lisbon. It is situated in the Pena area, on a slightly elevated, grassy position, framed by modern buildings. This fragment of Lisbon's history stands out as a point of contrast in the heart of the city, visible near the staircases connecting Praça Martim Moniz to Rua Arco da Graça.

A Medieval Legacy

This unique tower is one of the few visible remains of the ancient Fernandina Wall, a defensive enceinte that surrounded Lisbon in the 14th century, commissioned by King D. Fernando. Built around 1373, the tower served as an integral part of this city defense system. Its presence is a testament to Lisbon's urban evolution, marking the spot where an imposing structure once stood, protecting its inhabitants.

The Origin of the Name

The unusual name of the tower refers to the "Jogo da Péla" (Péla Game), a popular sport in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, practiced in the vicinity. It was a ball game, initially played with hands and later with rackets, considered by many as a precursor to modern tennis. This pastime was frequented by the nobility and served as a social gathering point, sometimes involving bets and even being seen as useful physical training for weapon handling. The "Casa do Jogo da Péla" (Péla Game House), where it was played, was built against the eastern face of the tower, thus giving its name to this remnant structure of the wall.

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