St. George's Castle

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Viana do Castelo > Valença > Campelo > Arraial

Location:

Situated in the serene area of Campelo, in the municipality of Valença, the Fort of São Jorge stands in Arraial, on a small elevation with a gentle slope. Its strategic position allows for a wide view over the surrounding rural landscape, dominated by the presence of the Minho River and the profile of São Pedro da Torre, inviting a moment of tranquility and observation of the Minho geography.

The site, with its rural and isolated atmosphere, is located on an alluvial terrace, constituting a discreet but relevant point in the Minho River valley, ideal for those seeking to explore history and nature in a more introspective manner.

A Testament to the Restoration War:

The Fort of São Jorge, also known as Forte da Silva, is a striking remnant from the 17th century, erected during the turbulent period of the Restoration War. Its main objective was to reinforce Portuguese defenses against the Spanish threat, functioning as an advanced post of great strategic importance in the Valença region.

A notable episode in its history occurred in 1658, when the Count of Castelo Melhor, to prevent the fort from falling into enemy hands, ordered its intentional destruction by fire. Despite this act of war, the fortification was later reactivated and rebuilt in the early 19th century, demonstrating its persistent military relevance over time.

The Uniqueness of Earth Construction:

The Fort of São Jorge stands out for its particular architecture, being one of the few examples of fortifications in Portugal built entirely from torrão. This ingenious constructive technique for its time used a mixture of earth, clay, pebbles, and loose stone, without recourse to traditional masonry, utilizing materials available on the very site.

The fort's structure features a predominantly quadrangular plan, with bastions at the corners and a deep outer moat that reinforced its defensive capability. Although some of its original configurations have transformed with the passage of time and the advance of vegetation, the remains of its imposing presence and the uniqueness of its earth construction continue to be a fascinating aspect to observe and understand.

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