Ruínas do Castelo de Vilharigues, Medieval fortified tower in Vouzela e Paços de Vilharigues, Portugal.
Castelo de Vilharigues is a medieval fortified granite tower standing on an elevated hilltop in the Lafoes region. The structure features a square layout with two preserved walls and special defensive projections called mata-caes that once protected against attacks.
Built between the late 1200s and early 1300s, the tower served as both a military defense post and a residence. It was connected to nobleman Vasco Lourenco da Fonseca, who lived there and oversaw the fortification.
The tower served as part of a regional defense network in Lafões, embodying construction practices common to Portuguese fortifications of its era. Visitors can see how these structures were positioned to control and protect the surrounding area.
The ruins sit about 430 meters above sea level and are reachable via marked walking paths from Vouzela. Information panels along the way help visitors understand the remains and their original purpose.
The structure preserves two mata-caes supported by four brackets, a rare example of this medieval defensive feature in central Portugal. These special projections allowed defenders to shoot downward at attackers trying to scale the tower walls.
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