Tower House of Lagariça

Category: Civil Architecture > Manor House

District: Viseu > Resende > São Cipriano > Carril

Location

The Casa da Torre da Lagariça is located in the Carril area, in the village of São Cipriano, in the municipality of Resende. This location offers a predominantly rural environment, where the tranquility of the surrounding landscape complements the imposing presence of the building.

A Journey Through the Centuries

This remarkable building is a testament to the passage of time, revealing a rich and multifaceted architectural history. Its origin dates back to the first half of the 12th century, when a military tower was erected, a characteristic element of the Christian Reconquest era. Centuries later, already in the 17th century, the owners of the tower decided to build an L-shaped manor house around it, an addition that enhanced the beauty of the complex without, however, altering the original structure of the medieval tower.

The importance of the Casa da Torre da Lagariça to national heritage was formally recognized in 1977, when it was classified as a property of public interest, highlighting its historical and cultural relevance.

At the Heart of Queirozian Literature

The Casa da Torre da Lagariça holds a special place in Portuguese literature, as it served as direct inspiration for one of Eça de Queirós' most emblematic works. The renowned writer visited the site in São Cipriano, and the striking presence of the tower, "older than Portugal," captivated his imagination, leading him to create a central setting for his novel The Illustrious House of Ramires, published in 1900.

The tower's impact on Eça de Queirós was so profound that the building almost became a character in his work, reflecting its antiquity and grandeur. Thus, a visit to this place allows not only to appreciate a unique architectural heritage but also to delve into the literary universe of one of the great masters of Portuguese writing.

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