The first references to the Herdade do Esporão date back to the 13th century, when the property was owned by D. João Peres de Aboim, lord of Portel and advisor to D. Afonso III. There is no certainty as to when the Tower was built, but it is likely that it was built by order of Álvaro Mendes de Vasconcelos, between 1457 and 1490. Built on the family estate, its main purpose was to extol its lineage and its new social status, which was on the rise.
With a quadrangular shape, the tower is divided into three levels with symmetrically harmonized windows on the upper floors. A staircase was built on an arch on the main façade. The Tower has since undergone restoration, with the aim of restoring it to its original, ancient appearance.
Today, on the ground floor of the Tower you can visit the Archaeological Museum, where various finds from Esporão and pieces from the Perdigões Archaeological Complex are on display.
Translated by Google •
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!