Chamber Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Viseu > Vouzela > Cambra > Cambra de Baixo

Location

Cambra Tower stands in the village of Cambra de Baixo, part of the municipality of Vouzela. Positioned on a small elevation, it is located on the northwestern slope of the imposing Serra do Caramulo. Its unique location offers a captivating natural setting, close to the confluence of the Alfusqueiro and Couto rivers.

A Mark of an Era

This monument dates back to the late 13th century or early 14th century, standing as a testament to medieval architecture in the region. Cambra Tower, of a manorial character, shaped the landscape and local life for several centuries, remaining inhabited until the dawn of the 17th century. Its presence evokes a period when these structures were centers of power and residence.

Architectural Features

Built of robust granite, the tower features a quadrangular plan. Inside, the original structure was divided into three distinct floors. The main access was through the middle floor, via a characteristic ogival arch doorway. A notable detail is the existence of traces of a balcony with machicolations above this entrance, a defensive element that demonstrates its original protective function.

A Resilient Past

Throughout its existence, Cambra Tower was associated with important lineages and figures, such as the Lemos family, particularly Diogo Gomes de Lemos in the 17th century, and the historic Casa da Trofa. It is unknown who commissioned its construction, but the tower endured through time, witnessing centuries of history and even surviving a fire at one point. Its presence today is a living reminder of a lasting heritage.

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