Lovelhe Fort

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Viana do Castelo > Vila Nova de Cerveira > Lovelhe > Vila Nova de Cerveira e Lovelhe

Location

The Fort of Lovelhe is located in the locality of Lovelhe, part of the municipality of Vila Nova de Cerveira. It stands on a small hill, in a more rural and peaceful area, offering a view over the vast alluvial plain and the waters of the River Minho, which meanders nearby. Its slightly isolated position allows for an immersive experience in the natural riverside landscape, far from urban bustle.

A Sentinel of Minho's History

Built in the 17th century, between 1642 and 1663, the Fort of Lovelhe emerged as a fundamental piece in the Minho defense line during the War of Restoration. Its main objective was to protect the Portuguese bank of the River Minho, a strategic point to prevent the passage of enemy troops coming from Galicia. This fort, also known as Fort of São Francisco, was planned to complement and modernize the region's defenses, reinforcing the security of the then-outdated castle of Vila Nova de Cerveira.

Features of Military Architecture

The fort's structure follows 17th-century military typology, featuring a pentagonal plan with five bastions, one at each of its vertices. The walls, low and of considerable thickness, were built with granite blocks, lending it remarkable solidity. Noteworthy are the small circular sentry boxes that rise at the angles of the bastions, once observation posts. The fort was also surrounded by a moat and a counterscarp, typical defensive elements of the era. Inside, although few visible vestiges remain today, there were once barracks, ammunition dumps, and possibly a chapel, all arranged around a central parade ground.

The Legacy of "A Resina"

The history of the Fort of Lovelhe is marked by a notable episode that occurred in 1809, during the Second French Invasion. At a time when the fort's commander was absent, it fell to D. Ana do Nascimento Ferreira de Magalhães, known as "a Resina," the courageous decision to order a cannon shot against the Napoleonic forces attempting to cross the river. This act of bravery, which even aimed to hit the French commander and sink enemy boats, galvanized the local population to resist. In retaliation, French troops would later destroy much of the fort's interior installations with an explosion, a testament to the impact of her action.

Heritage and Archaeology

Currently, the Fort of Lovelhe is recognized as a Site of Public Interest, a classification that also encompasses the important Archaeological Station of Lovelhe, located in its vicinity. This classification highlights not only the military value of the fort but also the archaeological richness of the site, with vestiges of human occupation dating back to the Iron Age and extending to the Middle Ages, upon which the fort was built. The fort, despite the marks of time and periods of abandonment, has undergone cleaning and consolidation works, and is part of a broader plan to enhance the cross-border fortified heritage of the Minho Valley, allowing visitors to appreciate a significant historical-cultural landmark.

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