Gandufe Tower

Category: Military Architecture > Tower

District: Viseu > Mangualde > Gandufe

Location

The Tower of Gandufe stands in the serene locality of Gandufe, belonging to the municipality of Mangualde. Situated in a peri-urban environment, on flat terrain, it is surrounded by narrow and winding streets, paved with granite cubes, which meander through agricultural areas. This setting gives it an isolated and unique appearance in the landscape, inviting a tranquil exploration of its surroundings.

A Medieval Legacy

Conjecturally dated between the 12th and 14th centuries, the Tower of Gandufe is a remarkable example of medieval military and seigneurial architecture. It represents one of the few surviving Domus Fortis type structures to have lasted until the present day in central Portugal, being the only seigneurial tower that still remains in the municipality of Mangualde. Its robust construction, in apparent granite stonework and with a rectangular plan, reflects the power and affirmation of the rural nobility of the time.

The tower, believed to have originally been a three-story seigneurial residence, reveals its grandeur through the marked verticality of its masses. Despite the scarce fenestrations, the marks of corbels and machicolations that once supported the different levels of the dwelling can still be observed inside.

Memories and Legends

The history of the Tower of Gandufe is shrouded in mystery, with much of its past lost to time. However, popular tradition preserves the legend that its most illustrious inhabitant was named Gondufão, a lord of Gothic origin, whose name, "Gondulfus" (Wolf of Battle), gave rise to the toponym of the village itself. It is believed that this powerful Christian lord dominated a vast region from the top of his tower in the distant years of the Middle Ages. Some of the stones that are now missing from the structure were, according to the same legend, reused in the construction of other dwellings in the vicinity, namely at Quinta da Ponte.

Testament to Time

Currently, the Tower of Gandufe is in ruins, with only parts of its west and north facades remaining, still with a considerable section of wall. Despite its condition, it is possible to glimpse the foundations of the vanished walls, which allow us to imagine its original dimension. The site has undergone conservation and restoration work, with the surrounding square being requalified. On the ground, a "drawing" of the original building's plan helps visitors visualize its complete form, highlighting its role as a historical and cultural landmark of great value to the community and to those who visit the region.

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