Queen's Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Portalegre > Avis > Avis > Centro Histórico

Location

The Queen's Tower is integrated into the Historic Centre of Avis. This tower belonged to the old wall that surrounded the Castle and the convent grounds of the Order of Avis, historically defining the division between the friars' area and the town.

Its location, within this ancient nucleus, allows visitors to observe one of the essential elements of medieval defence and the original spatial organization of Avis.

Medieval Origin

The history of the Queen's Tower is linked to the foundation of Avis Castle, initiated by the Order of Avis, right at the beginning of the 13th century. Its construction began around 1214, integrating the original complex of six towers that defended the fortress and the convent area.

This tower, also historically known as the "Convent Tower", was a strategic point in the defensive line that protected the territory and the friars of the Order.

Enduring Testimony

Throughout the centuries, Avis Castle underwent transformations, but the Queen's Tower remained standing. It is one of only three original towers that have survived to this day, out of the six that initially comprised the medieval defensive system.

Its preservation, along with the remaining parts of the walls, earned the complex its classification as a National Monument in 1910, recognizing its important historical and architectural value as part of Avis's heritage.

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