Torre de Lapela, Monção, Portugal

The Torre of Lapela is a ruined medieval castle located next to the Minho River in the town of Lapela, in Monção municipality.

One tower is all that remains of the Castle of Lapela, which was situated a few kilometers downstream from the Castle of Monção, which defended the ford of the Minho. The historians attribute its foundation to Lourenço Gonçalves de Abreu, lord of Merufe, Sanfins, Lapela, Barbeita, Regalados, and other lands of the Alto Minho. It is thought that because he had fought in the Battle of Valdevez next to King Afonso I and his father, Gonçalo Martins Abreu, Afonso I had the castle built and appointed him its first commander.

Constructed of stone ashlar, the square tower measures 10 meters on a side and 35 meters high. Its walls are three meters thick. It has a single entrance on the north facade about 6 meters above the ground, surmounted with the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Portugal.

References:

Wikipedia

User Reviews

Judy O'Neill (9 months ago)
We arrived outside of the time the tower was open, but we were not going to climb it anyhow. Took some photos & walked the town. There is a shady park that is great for a picnic by the water.

Cristiana Lages (9 months ago)
Interesting tower with an interesting history. Take the main road there as the streets in the tiny village are not large. If you have kids, keep a close eye on them as the stairs are not protected from an health and safety perspective.

João Pedro Barral (11 months ago)
Great place to visit. Showing a video with the tower history. The guide was very nice and helpful

Otmar W Baertl (16 months ago)
This is an amazing place,fantastic view with a video in Portuguese but it can be understood, the young lady taking care is super friendly and explained another route tome

Paulo Gabriel Bicho (2 years ago)
Amazing place. A must visit place for sure.

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle

Kakesbeck is one of the largest medieval fortifications in Münsterland and the oldest castle in Lüdinghausen. The imposingly grown complex originated in 1120 as a motte, a small hilltop tower castle. After numerous changes of ownership, the castle was extended onto two islands, but it was not until the 14th century that it underwent significant alterations and extensions under the von Oer family. The estate experienced its heyday in the middle of the 18th century, when it covered an area of almost one square kilometre and consisted of five further outer castles in addition to the core castle, which were secured by ramparts and moats.

The well-maintained condition of the castle today is thanks to the late Wilfried Grewing, the former lord of the castle. The foundation named after him has been particularly committed to preserving the property since 2020.

Torre de Lapela

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Exploring the History of Northern Poland

Discovering Slovenia's Historic Wonders

Historical Gems of Costa Verde

Historic Site of the week

Kakesbeck Castle