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{{Geobox|Building
{{coord|38|40.593|N|9|12.697|W|type:landmark_region:PT|display=title}}
<!-- *** Heading *** -->
| name = Fort of São Sebastião de Caparica
| native_name = Forte de São Sebastião de Caparica
| other_name = Fortaleza de Torre Velha
| category = [[Fort]]
| native_category = Forte
<!-- *** Image *** -->
| image = Torre velha da caparica.jpg
| image_caption = A profile of the rock and fortifications of São Sebastião de Caparica
| image_size = 235
<!-- *** Names **** -->
| official_name = Torre Velha de São Sebastião de Caparica
| etymology = [[Saint Sebastian]]
| etymology_type = Named for
| nickname =
<!-- *** Symbols *** -->
| flag =
| symbol =
<!-- *** Country *** -->
| country = {{flag|Portugal}}
| state_type = Region
| state = [[Lisboa Region|Lisbon]]
| region_type = Subregion
| region = [[Península de Setúbal]]
| district = [[Setúbal (district)|Setúbal]]
| municipality = [[Almada Municipality|Almada]]
<!-- *** Locations *** -->
| location = Monte de Caparica
| elevation = 30
| prominence =
| lat_d = 38
| lat_m = 40
| lat_s = 34.24
| lat_NS = N
| long_d = 9
| long_m = 12
| long_s = 34.88
| long_EW = W
<!-- *** Dimensions *** -->
| length = 91.50
| length_orientation = Northwest-Southeast
| width = 117.50
| width_orientation = Southwest-Northeast
| height =
| depth =
| volume =
| area =
<!-- *** Features *** -->
| author_type = Architects
| author =
| style = [[Medieval architecture|Medieval]]
| style1 = [[Renaissance architecture|Renaissance]]
| material = Stone
| material1 = Masonry
<!-- *** History & management *** -->
| established = 16th century
| established_type = Origin
| established1 = [[circa|c.]] [[1571]]
| established1_type = Initiated
| established2 =
| established2_type = Completion
| date =
| date_type =
| owner = Portuguese Republic
<!-- *** Access *** -->
| public =
| visitation =
| visitation_date =
| access =
<!-- *** UNESCO etc. *** -->
| whs_name =
| whs_year =
| whs_number =
| whs_region =
| whs_criteria =
| iucn_category =
<!-- *** Free fields *** -->
| free = [[IGESPAR|Instituto Gestão do Patrimonio Arquitectónico e Arqueológico]]
| free_type = Management
| free1 = Concelho de Almada
| free1_type = Operator
| free2 =
| free2_type = Hours
| free3 =
| free3_type =
| free4 = National Monument
| free4_type = Status
| free5 = 12 April 1996
| free5_type = Listing
<!-- *** Maps *** -->
| map =
| map_caption = Location of the fort in the municipality of [[Almada Municipality|Almada]]
| map_background =
| map_locator =
| map_locator_x = 34
| map_locator_y = 85
<!-- *** Website *** -->
| commons =
| website =
<!-- *** Footnotes *** -->
| footnotes =
}}
The '''Fort of São Sebastião da Caparica''' ({{lang-pt|Forte de São Sebastião da Caparica}}) also known as the ''Tower of São Sebastião'' ({{lang-pt|Torre de São Sebastião}}) or ''Fortress of the Old Tower'' ({{lang-pt|Fortaleza de Torre Velha}}) is a medieval fortification located in [[Monte da Caparica]], [[freguesia|civil parish]] of [[Caparica (Almada)|Caparica]], in the municipality of [[Almada Municipality|Almada]], in the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] central region of [[Península de Setúbal]].


The fortress of Torre Velha is one of the more important examples of Renaissance-era military architecture, at a time when it served as part of an integrated system of defensive artillery outposts at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century, in particular with the bulwarks of [[Tower of Santo António de Cascais|Cascais]] (1498) and [[Tower of Belém|São Vicente]] (1512).
'''Forte de São Sebastião da Caparica''' (''Fort São Sebastião da Caparica'') also known as '''Torre de São Sebastião da Caparica''', '''Torre Velha''' and '''Fortaleza da Torre Velha''' (literally the Old Tower Fortress) is a fortress located in [[Monte da Caparica]] in [[Caparica (Almada)|Caparica]], city of [[Almada]], [[Portugal]].

The '''Torre Velha da Caparica''' was one of the most famous examples of military architecture. In the [[Renaissance]] period, it was one of the first systems of [[artillery]] integrated into a defense station of [[Tejo|rio Tejo]], mainly between [[Torre de Santo António de Cascais]] and [[Torre de São Vicente de Belém]].

[[File:Torre velha da caparica.jpg|400px]]


==History==
==History==
The ''Old Tower'', situated on the southern margin of the [[Tagus River]], was commissioned by King [[John II of Portugal|John II]], on the same site of the older ''Fort of Caparica'' (which was built in the reign of his father, King [[John I of Portugal|John I]]).<ref name="SIPA">{{citation|url= http://www.monumentos.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=4670 |title=Fortaleza da Torre Velha/Torre de São Sebastião de Caparica |publisher=SIPA– Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico|editor=SIPA |location=Lisbon, Portugal|language=Portuguese |first=Albertina |last=Belo |year=1998 |accessdate=26 March 2012}}</ref> The fort received its name ''Torre Velha'' mostly because the structure was considered "older" then the ''[[Belém Tower|Tower of São Vicente]]'' ({{lang-pt|Torre de São Vicente}}), which later be known as the ''Tower of Belém''.<ref name=SIPA/> Its original structure, from the sketches of [[Garcia de Resende]], comprised a tower and bulwark, similar to model developed years later in the [[Fort of Santiago da Barra]] ([[Viana do Castelo Municipality|Viana do Castelo]]) and [[Tower of Belém]] ([[Lisbon]]).<ref name=SIPA/><ref name="IGESPAR">{{cite web |url=http://www.igespar.pt/en/patrimonio/pesquisa/geral/patrimonioimovel/detail/70145/ |title= Fortaleza da Torre Velha |editor=IGESPAR |accessdate=26 March 2012 |year=2011 |location=Lisbon, Portugal |publisher=IGESPAR - Instituto de Gestão do Património Arquitectónico e Arqueológico |language=Portuguese}}</ref> Defenses along the estuary and port of Lisbon were based on a system of three towers, which were refurbished with modern artillery (including the Bulwarks of Cascais and the São Vicente), which cooperated with the naval artillery (which patrolled the waters of the river) to enforce military and fiscal authority.
The fortification was located in the main strait point of the Tejo, in its left bank, remounted into a battalion for the decision of [[John I of Portugal|John I]] (1385-1433).

In the beginning of the 15th century, during the beginning of the Portuguese age of discovery, its defense over the Tejo and the port of [[Lisbon]] was based with a naval artillery, situated between the river waters. Frontly under King [[John II of Portugal|John II]] (1481-1495), a new plan was added for the port's protection based within the three towers, they were adapted into those artillery of the era:

*Right Bank:
**'''Torre de Santo António de Cascais''' (''Baluarte de Cascais'');
**'''Torre de São Vicente de Belém''' (''Baluarte de São Vicente a par de Belém'')

Theses fortifications cooperated with the naval artillery which it patrolled the river with vigilant tariffs and defense of the country's capital.

===Baluarte da Caparica===

The original structure, second founded by [[Garcia de Resende]] was made up of a tower and a defense, that in which it was built, a few years later, the [[Baluarte de Cascais]] was added in 1498 along with two other, one in 1502 and another in 1515.


In 1571, following similar initiatives taken at several forts along the Portuguese coast, King [[Sebastian of Portugal|Sebastian]] ordered the remodeling of the tower.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> At the time, the fort was named in honour of ''São Brás'' (''[[Saint Blaise]]''), the patron saint of artillerymen in the Portuguese tradition, and changed to honour the young King (lost at the [[Battle of Alcácer Quibir]]) and [[Saint Sebastian]].<ref name=SIPA/><ref name="Sousa">H. Pereira de Raul Sousa (1997)</ref> Under the responsibility of Afonso Álvares, the new project transformed the fort into a massive fortress, becoming referred to as the ''Fortress of São Sebastião da Caprica'' ({{lang-pt|Fortaleza de São Sebatião da Caparica}}).<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> Between 1580 and 1640 it was referred locally as the ''Torre dos Castelhanos'' (''Tower of the Castilians''), where it was remodeled structurally to meet the requirements of the [[Iberian Union]].<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/>
In 1570, with its cast which accounted several separate forts within the Portuguese coasts, [[Sebastian of Portugal|King Sebastian]] (1568-1570) modified its old tower turned into a fort with great dimensions. It was designated as '''Fortaleza de São Sebastião da Caparica'''. Its work progressed under the [[Philippine Dynasty]] and made its project suffered an altered structure. This phase was known as the '''Torre dos Castelhanos''' (The Castilian Tower).


Between 1640 and the 18th century, a branch of the Távora dynastic clan in Almada served as governors of the Old Tower, taking particular attention to the remodel the structures during the 17th century.<ref name=SIPA/>
In the late 19th century, it fort went into received works, possibly the consolidation directly under the coloner [[Francisco D'Alincourt]].


By 1692, the fundamental aspects of the fort were established; the 15th century towers, the walls along the east and south, the three bulwarks, governor's residence, chapel (consecrated to [[Saint Blaise]] and [[Saint Sebastian]]), integrated coat-of-arms and staircase along the southeast facade.<ref name=SIPA/> In the second half of the 18th century, there are indications that the terrain (and buildings) along the river were consolidated.<ref name=SIPA/> These aspects were recorded in the ''Coleção Casa de Cadaval'' (''Cadaval House Collection'') in the [[Torre do Tombo]] archives.
===The Peninsular War===


Information from 1767 showed the ''Old Tower'' (now known as ''São Sebastião'') on a mountain, opposite the Tower of Belém in the north, acting as a crossfire zone with Belém.<ref name=SIPA/>
During the [[Peninsular War]] in 1801, its fortifications in the south bank of the Tejo were disabled. Meanwhile, the survey of October 1808 said:


In a report written on 9 September 1794, by Guilherme Luís António de Valleré, directed to the Minister of War ({{lang-pt|Ministro da Guerra}}), the [[Duke of Lafões]], it was indicated that the tower was undergoing restoration.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=Sousa/> This restoration continued from 1794 to 1796, under the direction of Colonel Francisco D'Alincourt.<ref name=SIPA/>
*5 pieces of [[bronze]], 36 [[calibre]]
*4 pieces of calibre 18;
*9 pieces of calibre 12;
*5 pieces of [[iron]], 24 calibre;
*9 pieces of iron, 18 calibre and
*6 pieces of iron, 6 calibre.
*6 repairable pieces of [[artillery]], of 35 calibre;
*9 repairable pieces of company artillery, of 12 calibre;
*2 marine carts of pieces of 36 calibre;
*5 marine carts of pieces of 24 calibre;
*13 marine carts of pieces of 18 calibre;
*6 marine carts of pieces of 6 calibre;
*2,400 balls and lanters of 36, 18, 2 and 8 calibre.


The fortresses of the southern margin were deactivated in 1801, at the end of the ''Guerra das Laranjas'' (''War of the Oranges'').<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> A survey completed at the end of 1808 included a precise inventory of the armaments in the fort at the time of its decommissioning, including: five 36-caliber bronze pieces, four 18-caliber, nine 12-caliber, five 24-calibre iron peices, nine 18-calibre iron pieces, six 6-calibre iron pieces; six 45-calibre artillery peices in state of disrepair; nine 12-calibre in the same condition; in addition to, two marine 36-caliber carts; five marine 24-calibre carts; 13 18-calibre marine carts; six 6-calibre marine carts; and 2400 balls (of two-, eight-, 18- and 36-caliber).
In the survey of January 1828, it had:


It was suggested that in 1811, the space used to warehouse artillery accessories was used from prisoners.<ref name=SIPA/> Similarly, on 13 August 1814, it was determined that the Fort could serve as quarantine for lodging passengers and crews suspected of carrying epidemias.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> This included [[Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro]] who was suspected of [[yellow fever]], and was eventually sent to [[Brazil]]; the artist and humorist, regrettably, made light of Portuguese regulations and poor treatment facilities after his experience.
*1 piece of iron, 28 calibre;
*6 pieces of iron, 6 calibre;
*17 pieces of iron, 13 calibre
*2 iron [[Mortar (weapon)|mortar]]s, 98 calibre;
*2,500 balls of diverse calibres and
*50 bombs 9 calibre


On 29 May 1815, the fort was deactivated by order of the government, while part of its buildings were conserved as lodging for the security forces used to guard guaranteed peoples and those with [[leprosy]].<ref name=SIPA/>
In 1832, it underwent a renovation and military reactivity. It surveyed its data and had:L


A new survey of the munitions on site in January 1828, revealed a smaller quantity of artillery, including: one 28-caliber iron piece; six 6-caliber iron pieces; 17 13-caliber iron pieces; two 98-caliber iron [[Mortar (weapon)| mortars]]; 2,500 balls (of various calibers) and 50 9-caliber bombs.
*2 pieces, 26 calibre
*6 pieces, 24 calibre
*3 pieces, 18 calibre


In 1832, the tower was remodeled and reactivated once more.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> On recommissioning the batteries had a smaller compliment of munitions and artillery, including: two 26-caliber pieces; six 24-caliber pieces and three 18-caliber weapons. The compliment of soldiers garrisoning the site included one subordinate, one sergeant, three privates and 31 soldiers.
*In its latest data, the garrison contained:


By the middle of the 19th century, the ''Old Tower'' was declared of no interest, and began acting as a second-class military square.<ref name=SIPA/> But, by 1894, the site was no longer used for this purpose, and began to serve as storage and housing (actin as an annex for the munitions warehouses of Porto Brandão).<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/>
*1 subordinate
*1 sergeant
*3 cables
*31 soldiers


In 1859, it ''medical lodging''-role was discontinued, passing to another institution nearby, although the guards continued to be housed onsite.<ref name=SIPA/> Eventually, the fortress was abandoned.
In the late 19th century, it served mainly for the shipping and hiousing. This phase with its dependencies were used with [[quarantine]], mainly for sheltering passengers and crew members on vessels and ported the capital with suspected contagious diseases, for an example [[Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro]] which was suspected of [[yellow fever]], he returned to [[Brazil]] where he left registered with fine irony in its largest regret which with its regulations on its facilities and the treatment of the internal.


The process to classify the Old Tower began in 1982, ending in its recognition as a [[Monuments of Portugal|National Monument]] ({{lang-pt|Monumento Nacional}}) on 12 April 1996.<ref name=SIPA/>
The fortress was classified under the National Monument on April 12, 1996. It is now an abandoned fortress.


==Characteristics==
==Architecture==
The structure is located on ''Periurban'', a hill on the southern shore of the [[Tagus River]], between two small creeks, that of the Porto Brandão and Paulina, approximately opposite the [[Belém Tower|Tower of Belém]].<ref name=SIPA/>


The U-shaped plan is formed from three corps, two oriented to the south, with the final "rounded" block (joining the two), serving as the battery's esplanade.<ref name=SIPA/> At the southwest corner of the fortress, is the bulwark and watchtower.<ref name=SIPA/> Around the principal nucleus of the fortress is a second tier of spaces used for lodging; there are three bulwarks and barracks (one on the northeast, another along the southeast and a final in the south, along the wall with cannons).<ref name=SIPA/> Owing to erosion of the front/seaside facade, it is impossible to determine any further archaeological significance.<ref name=SIPA/> The buildings over the older parapets were the result of the structure's transformation into shelter/residences for lepers, and consist of six "T" shaped extensions to the main structure: the ''Asilo de Caparica'' (''Asylum of Caparica'').<ref name=SIPA/>
The fort conserves some fundamental existences in the mid 13th century with its
A estrutura que chegou aos nossos dias conserva as partes fundamentais existentes em meados do [[século XVII]], that it was compated with a plant that dates back to 1692 which collected the [[Torre do Tombo]] ('' Coleção Casa de Cadaval'' = ''The Cadaval House Collection'').


The central corp of the fort is an ample rectangular space with doorway and window, with the residence of the governor alongside.
The plant of the forfication disappeared into a "u", made up of three bodies and three ramparts with barracks. One of the most extremities lasts out with a ramparts with its guard tower. The central body of '''Torre Velha''' featured a quadrangular plant located near the governor's house. Around the old port of the area had a tower mentioned in a rock with arms to arms of Portugal.
The fortress survived into 20th century, maintained many of the fundamental aspects established in the 17th century, in a plan designed in 1692.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/><ref>IAN/TT, Coleção Casa de Cadaval</ref> The design was ostensibly a "U" shaped plan, composed of three spaces and three bulwarks with barracks, one of the extremities of the fort extends from a battlement to a watchtower. Alongside the gate, is a chapel, constructed and dedicated to [[Saint Sebastian|São Sebastião]].<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/>


The central body of the ''Old Tower'' was a rectangular plan, with the Governor's house inside.<ref name=SIPA/><ref name=IGESPAR/> The old gate of the main square, near the tower, includes a coat-of-arms of Portugal.<ref name=SIPA/>
==Sources==
*Here, at ''Torre Velha'', D. [[Francisco Manuel de Melo]] wrote "[[Carta de Guia de Casados]]" (''Casados Map Guide'') (Lisbon, 1651).


The battlements consist of 15th century stonework, while the tower, the corbels, gatehouse and gateway access to the chapel were constructed in the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century, the fortress received new remodeling, possibly consolidation of the fortifications, under the supervision of Colonel Francisco D'Alincourt.<ref name=IGESPAR/><ref>Rual Sousa (1997)</ref>
==External links==
*[http://www.monumentos.pt/scripts/zope.pcgi/ipa/pages/frameset?nome=ipa&upframe=upframe3&downframe=ipa.html Inventário do Património Arquitectónico (DGEMN, Architectural Heritage Inventory)] {{pt icon}}
*[http://www.ipa.min-cultura.pt/ Instituto Português de Arqueologia (Portuguese Archeological Institute)] {{pt icon}}
*[http://www.igespar.pt/en/patrimonio/pesquisa/geral/patrimonioimovel/detail/70145/ Torre de São Sebastião da Caparica atIPPAR)] {{pt icon}}


The battlements and [[machicolation]]s are still visible on the walls, with the beams of another on the top floors. This part of the tower is covered in a barrel vault, while a terrace is located on its surface, with an external staircase to access the second floor (between the floor and roof), allowing communication between both by doorway. Small caliber artillery or machicolations, probably, supported the balcony and wall.<ref name=SIPA/> A coat-of-arms is located on the lintel of the door, in the old military square, with the Portuguese heraldry.<ref name=SIPA/>


==References==
;Notes
{{Reflist|2}}
;Sources
* {{citation |last=Barbosa |first=I. de Vilhena |contribution=Novo Lazareto da Torre Velha |title=Archivo Pittoresco |volume=12 |location=Lisbon, Portugal |year=1864 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation |last=Vieira |first=Duarte Joaquim Júnior |title=Villa e Termo de Almada |lcoation=Lisbon, Portugal |year=1984 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation |last=Sousa |first=H. Pereira de Raul |title=Fortalezas de Almada e Seu Termo |location=Almada, Portugal |year=1981 |language=Portugeuse}}
* {{citation |last=Sousa |first=H. Pereira de Raul |title=Pequena História da Torre Velha |location=Almada, Portugal |year=1997 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation |tile=À Descoberta das Sentinelas: Roteiro de Castelos e Fortalezas da Região de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo |editor=CCRLVT |location=Lisbon, Portugal |year=1998 |language=Portuguese}}
* {{citation |contribution=Torre Velha |first=Francisco Manuel |last=de Melo]] |title=Carta de Guia de Casados |trans_title=Casados Map Guide |location=Lisbon, Portugal |year=1651 |language=Portuguese}}


[[Category:Caparica (Almada)]]
[[Category:Caparica (Almada)]]

Revision as of 11:13, 30 March 2012

Template:Geobox The Fort of São Sebastião da Caparica (Portuguese: Forte de São Sebastião da Caparica) also known as the Tower of São Sebastião (Portuguese: Torre de São Sebastião) or Fortress of the Old Tower (Portuguese: Fortaleza de Torre Velha) is a medieval fortification located in Monte da Caparica, civil parish of Caparica, in the municipality of Almada, in the Portuguese central region of Península de Setúbal.

The fortress of Torre Velha is one of the more important examples of Renaissance-era military architecture, at a time when it served as part of an integrated system of defensive artillery outposts at the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century, in particular with the bulwarks of Cascais (1498) and São Vicente (1512).

History

The Old Tower, situated on the southern margin of the Tagus River, was commissioned by King John II, on the same site of the older Fort of Caparica (which was built in the reign of his father, King John I).[1] The fort received its name Torre Velha mostly because the structure was considered "older" then the Tower of São Vicente (Portuguese: Torre de São Vicente), which later be known as the Tower of Belém.[1] Its original structure, from the sketches of Garcia de Resende, comprised a tower and bulwark, similar to model developed years later in the Fort of Santiago da Barra (Viana do Castelo) and Tower of Belém (Lisbon).[1][2] Defenses along the estuary and port of Lisbon were based on a system of three towers, which were refurbished with modern artillery (including the Bulwarks of Cascais and the São Vicente), which cooperated with the naval artillery (which patrolled the waters of the river) to enforce military and fiscal authority.

In 1571, following similar initiatives taken at several forts along the Portuguese coast, King Sebastian ordered the remodeling of the tower.[1][2] At the time, the fort was named in honour of São Brás (Saint Blaise), the patron saint of artillerymen in the Portuguese tradition, and changed to honour the young King (lost at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir) and Saint Sebastian.[1][3] Under the responsibility of Afonso Álvares, the new project transformed the fort into a massive fortress, becoming referred to as the Fortress of São Sebastião da Caprica (Portuguese: Fortaleza de São Sebatião da Caparica).[1][2] Between 1580 and 1640 it was referred locally as the Torre dos Castelhanos (Tower of the Castilians), where it was remodeled structurally to meet the requirements of the Iberian Union.[1][2]

Between 1640 and the 18th century, a branch of the Távora dynastic clan in Almada served as governors of the Old Tower, taking particular attention to the remodel the structures during the 17th century.[1]

By 1692, the fundamental aspects of the fort were established; the 15th century towers, the walls along the east and south, the three bulwarks, governor's residence, chapel (consecrated to Saint Blaise and Saint Sebastian), integrated coat-of-arms and staircase along the southeast facade.[1] In the second half of the 18th century, there are indications that the terrain (and buildings) along the river were consolidated.[1] These aspects were recorded in the Coleção Casa de Cadaval (Cadaval House Collection) in the Torre do Tombo archives.

Information from 1767 showed the Old Tower (now known as São Sebastião) on a mountain, opposite the Tower of Belém in the north, acting as a crossfire zone with Belém.[1]

In a report written on 9 September 1794, by Guilherme Luís António de Valleré, directed to the Minister of War (Portuguese: Ministro da Guerra), the Duke of Lafões, it was indicated that the tower was undergoing restoration.[1][3] This restoration continued from 1794 to 1796, under the direction of Colonel Francisco D'Alincourt.[1]

The fortresses of the southern margin were deactivated in 1801, at the end of the Guerra das Laranjas (War of the Oranges).[1][2] A survey completed at the end of 1808 included a precise inventory of the armaments in the fort at the time of its decommissioning, including: five 36-caliber bronze pieces, four 18-caliber, nine 12-caliber, five 24-calibre iron peices, nine 18-calibre iron pieces, six 6-calibre iron pieces; six 45-calibre artillery peices in state of disrepair; nine 12-calibre in the same condition; in addition to, two marine 36-caliber carts; five marine 24-calibre carts; 13 18-calibre marine carts; six 6-calibre marine carts; and 2400 balls (of two-, eight-, 18- and 36-caliber).

It was suggested that in 1811, the space used to warehouse artillery accessories was used from prisoners.[1] Similarly, on 13 August 1814, it was determined that the Fort could serve as quarantine for lodging passengers and crews suspected of carrying epidemias.[1][2] This included Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro who was suspected of yellow fever, and was eventually sent to Brazil; the artist and humorist, regrettably, made light of Portuguese regulations and poor treatment facilities after his experience.

On 29 May 1815, the fort was deactivated by order of the government, while part of its buildings were conserved as lodging for the security forces used to guard guaranteed peoples and those with leprosy.[1]

A new survey of the munitions on site in January 1828, revealed a smaller quantity of artillery, including: one 28-caliber iron piece; six 6-caliber iron pieces; 17 13-caliber iron pieces; two 98-caliber iron mortars; 2,500 balls (of various calibers) and 50 9-caliber bombs.

In 1832, the tower was remodeled and reactivated once more.[1][2] On recommissioning the batteries had a smaller compliment of munitions and artillery, including: two 26-caliber pieces; six 24-caliber pieces and three 18-caliber weapons. The compliment of soldiers garrisoning the site included one subordinate, one sergeant, three privates and 31 soldiers.

By the middle of the 19th century, the Old Tower was declared of no interest, and began acting as a second-class military square.[1] But, by 1894, the site was no longer used for this purpose, and began to serve as storage and housing (actin as an annex for the munitions warehouses of Porto Brandão).[1][2]

In 1859, it medical lodging-role was discontinued, passing to another institution nearby, although the guards continued to be housed onsite.[1] Eventually, the fortress was abandoned.

The process to classify the Old Tower began in 1982, ending in its recognition as a National Monument (Portuguese: Monumento Nacional) on 12 April 1996.[1]

Architecture

The structure is located on Periurban, a hill on the southern shore of the Tagus River, between two small creeks, that of the Porto Brandão and Paulina, approximately opposite the Tower of Belém.[1]

The U-shaped plan is formed from three corps, two oriented to the south, with the final "rounded" block (joining the two), serving as the battery's esplanade.[1] At the southwest corner of the fortress, is the bulwark and watchtower.[1] Around the principal nucleus of the fortress is a second tier of spaces used for lodging; there are three bulwarks and barracks (one on the northeast, another along the southeast and a final in the south, along the wall with cannons).[1] Owing to erosion of the front/seaside facade, it is impossible to determine any further archaeological significance.[1] The buildings over the older parapets were the result of the structure's transformation into shelter/residences for lepers, and consist of six "T" shaped extensions to the main structure: the Asilo de Caparica (Asylum of Caparica).[1]

The central corp of the fort is an ample rectangular space with doorway and window, with the residence of the governor alongside. The fortress survived into 20th century, maintained many of the fundamental aspects established in the 17th century, in a plan designed in 1692.[1][2][4] The design was ostensibly a "U" shaped plan, composed of three spaces and three bulwarks with barracks, one of the extremities of the fort extends from a battlement to a watchtower. Alongside the gate, is a chapel, constructed and dedicated to São Sebastião.[1][2]

The central body of the Old Tower was a rectangular plan, with the Governor's house inside.[1][2] The old gate of the main square, near the tower, includes a coat-of-arms of Portugal.[1]

The battlements consist of 15th century stonework, while the tower, the corbels, gatehouse and gateway access to the chapel were constructed in the 17th century. At the end of the 18th century, the fortress received new remodeling, possibly consolidation of the fortifications, under the supervision of Colonel Francisco D'Alincourt.[2][5]

The battlements and machicolations are still visible on the walls, with the beams of another on the top floors. This part of the tower is covered in a barrel vault, while a terrace is located on its surface, with an external staircase to access the second floor (between the floor and roof), allowing communication between both by doorway. Small caliber artillery or machicolations, probably, supported the balcony and wall.[1] A coat-of-arms is located on the lintel of the door, in the old military square, with the Portuguese heraldry.[1]

References

Notes
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah Belo, Albertina (1998), SIPA (ed.), Fortaleza da Torre Velha/Torre de São Sebastião de Caparica (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal: SIPA– Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico, retrieved 26 March 2012
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l IGESPAR, ed. (2011). "Fortaleza da Torre Velha" (in Portuguese). Lisbon, Portugal: IGESPAR - Instituto de Gestão do Património Arquitectónico e Arqueológico. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
  3. ^ a b H. Pereira de Raul Sousa (1997)
  4. ^ IAN/TT, Coleção Casa de Cadaval
  5. ^ Rual Sousa (1997)
Sources
  • Barbosa, I. de Vilhena (1864), "Novo Lazareto da Torre Velha", Archivo Pittoresco (in Portuguese), vol. 12, Lisbon, Portugal{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • Vieira, Duarte Joaquim Júnior (1984), Villa e Termo de Almada (in Portuguese) {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |lcoation= ignored (help)
  • Sousa, H. Pereira de Raul (1981), Fortalezas de Almada e Seu Termo (in Portugeuse), Almada, Portugal{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  • Sousa, H. Pereira de Raul (1997), Pequena História da Torre Velha (in Portuguese), Almada, Portugal{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • CCRLVT, ed. (1998), (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal {{citation}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Unknown parameter |tile= ignored (|title= suggested) (help)CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  • de Melo]], Francisco Manuel (1651), "Torre Velha", Carta de Guia de Casados (in Portuguese), Lisbon, Portugal {{citation}}: Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
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