Portela Grande Fort - Work No. 41

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Loures > Bucelas > Vila de Rei

Location

The Portela Grande Fort, known as Work nº 41, is strategically located in the locality of Bucelas, within the municipality of Loures, in the area designated as Vila de Rei. Erected on the summit of an elevation, this site offers a commanding view over the Bucelas gorge and the surrounding valleys.

Its elevated position allows for a privileged observation of the surrounding landscape, which was once crucial for the region's defense, and still today provides a vast panorama of the area's natural contours.

History and Strategic Purpose

This fortification played a pivotal role in the intricate defensive system of the Lines of Torres Vedras, erected to deter French invasions in the early 19th century. The Portela Grande Fort was designed with the primary objective of blocking enemy advance along crucial land routes.

In particular, it controlled the roads from Alverca and São Tiago dos Velhos, which passed near Casal da Portela, as well as the important link between Bucelas and Alverca. In times of conflict, the fort housed a significant garrison, comprising approximately 240 infantrymen, and was equipped with five twelve-pounder artillery pieces.

Architectural Features and Defensive Elements

The architecture of the Portela Grande Fort is distinguished by its irregular plan, skillfully adapted to the terrain's orography, a common characteristic of many fortifications in the Lines of Torres Vedras. Its defensive structure included essential elements such as a moat, scarp, counterscarp, and embrasures, designed to maximize its resistance capabilities.

One of the most notable aspects of this fort is its powder magazine, the storage for gunpowder and ammunition. Unlike many other similar constructions, which used wooden roofs, the Portela Grande Fort's powder magazine is covered by a robust stone vault, a distinctive architectural solution that remains well-preserved to this day.

The Site Today

Currently, the Portela Grande Fort is in a state of conservation that allows visitors to understand its former configuration. It is possible to clearly observe the vestiges of the moat and the parapet that delimited its defensive structure.

A geodetic marker is also located at the site, beneath which lies an underground chamber. Its elevated position continues to offer broad views of the surrounding landscape, inviting contemplation of the natural environment and the historical importance of the site.

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