Torre de Vilar

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Porto > Lousada > Vilar do Torno

Location

The Tower of Vilar stands majestically in the locality of Vilar do Torno, in the municipality of Lousada. This unique construction stands isolated on top of a hill, on a granite outcrop, which gives it a dominant position in the landscape.

From this elevated point, visitors can enjoy views over a fertile valley, irrigated by the River Sousa, where extensive cultivated fields and vineyards stand out, revealing the region's strong connection to agriculture.

A Legacy of Medieval Nobility

More than a simple military edifice, the Tower of Vilar symbolizes the power and prestige of the medieval seigneurial nobility. It represents a valuable example of the Latin designation domus fortis, which refers to a fortified residence, common in the Tâmega and Sousa territory during that period.

Its construction is believed to have occurred between the second half of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century, although the first documentary record dates back to the 15th century. Connected to the Ribavizela family, particularly D. Gil Martins, this tower served not only as a residence but also as a crucial post for the defense and control of the family's domains. It has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1978, attesting to its historical and patrimonial significance.

Architecture and Refurbishment

With a quadrangular plan and approximately eighteen meters in height, the Tower of Vilar was built with refined granite stonework. It is possible to observe on its walls the mason's marks, traces of the medieval artisans' labor.

The tower's facades feature numerous loopholes, narrow openings that once allowed for the site's defense. Inside, which was in ruins for centuries, a wooden structure with five platforms and staircases was installed, allowing ascent to the wall walk. This top floor, a former watch space, would have been crowned by battlements and merlons, defensive elements that no longer exist today. Over the past decades, important conservation and enhancement works have contributed to its recovery and preservation.

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