Gateway Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Portalegre > Marvão > Portagem

Location

The Portagem Tower stands in the small locality of Portagem, in the municipality of Marvão, set in a natural landscape of great beauty. It is strategically located next to the Sever River and its ancient medieval bridge, forming a complex that harks back to the region's history. Its presence marks the mountainous landscape, characteristic of the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park, offering an interesting perspective on the riverside surroundings and the valley.

The Frontier's Legacy

Over several centuries, the Portagem Tower played a fundamental role as Marvão's former customs house. It was at this location that the passage of people and goods between Portuguese territory and the neighboring kingdom was controlled. Its solid structure, with imposing architecture, reflects the strategic importance of border control, functioning as a point of surveillance and registration for all movements that occurred here.

Memory of Historical Passages

The history of the Portagem Tower is intrinsically linked to significant events, serving as a testament to the passage of countless lives. In particular, in 1492, the tower was a crucial entry point for many Jews expelled from neighboring kingdoms. Thousands of people crossed this border, seeking refuge in Portugal. The Portagem Tower thus represents a place of memory, symbolizing the resilience and the search for a new beginning for communities that found a safe haven here, albeit temporary, in the face of persecution.

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