Santa Cristina Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Vila Real > Mesão Frio > Mesão Frio > Lugar de São José

Location

The Tower of Santa Cristina is located in the village of Mesão Frio, within the area of São José. This structure is part of the built complex that stands on Avenida Conselheiro Alpoim. Due to its position in the locality, the tower is visible from the Passeio Alto, offering a landmark and an interesting perspective in the urban landscape of Mesão Frio.

Memory of an Ancient Temple

This tower is one of the few surviving remnants of the primitive Church of Santa Cristina. The original temple was the scene of a significant episode in local history, having been looted and destroyed by the troops of General Loison in 1809, during the period of the Second French Invasion. Of that initial construction, only the tower resisted, remaining standing as a testament to the events of the time.

A Mark of Architectural Persistence

Currently, the Tower of Santa Cristina is integrated into the building that today houses the Parish Church of Santa Cristina, the Mesão Frio City Hall, and the former Convent of São Francisco. The tower, with a square plan, is semi-attached to the rear facade of the current church, illustrating how architectural elements from different eras have merged over the centuries. Its presence highlights the historical continuity and resilience of the region's heritage.

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