Tower of Snows

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Porto > Marco de Canaveses > Tabuado

Location:

The Nevões Tower stands in Tabuado, in the municipality of Marco de Canaveses, on a gentle promontory covered by a pine forest and native vegetation. From this point, the view extends to the Ovelha river valley, offering a natural setting marked by the contrast between the granite of the construction and the surrounding greenery.

Access is via a rural path set in a tranquil environment, where visitors can enjoy the sound of birds and the light filtering through the tree branches, making the journey to the tower a serene experience.

Origin and evolution:

Erected in the 16th century as a keep, this building underwent renovations in the 17th and 18th centuries, when residential wings were added. The complex now has an L-shaped floor plan, a result of the different construction phases that occurred over time.

Traces of additions and alterations are evident in the treatment of the granite, with irregular masonry in the upper parts of the tower, revealing functional and aesthetic changes made to adapt the space to the needs of each era.

Architectural features:

Built of granite, the tower has a rectangular floor plan, two floors, and a hipped roof. At the top, the Manueline merlons give it a crenellated profile, while five gargoyles protrude from the cornices to drain rainwater.

The rectangular windows, set in thick walls, feature conversation seats that allow one to observe the outside without being exposed. Inside, the terracotta tile flooring on the ground floor and the wooden floorboards on the upper floors maintain the original character, connected by staircases that emphasize the tower's historical defensive and residential use.

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