It is below a granitic outcrop, on the left bank of the river Minho, that we can find the Tower of Lapela, a watch-tower belonging to an ancient castle.
Going through this tower, in gothic style – all that remains from the fortress, ordered to be built by D. Afonso Henriques to protect the portuguese northern border -, and feel the mysticism these walls still exhale ...
The original fortress was almost completely demolished by D. João V and its stones were used to repair the fortress of Monção. This is the reason why, today, we can only admire the tower and a “cisterna” (water-tank).
Visiting the Belém Tower of Minho, as it is affectionately known in the region, is an excelent way to learn a little of the county’s history.
Location: Monção
Going through this tower, in gothic style – all that remains from the fortress, ordered to be built by D. Afonso Henriques to protect the portuguese northern border -, and feel the mysticism these walls still exhale ...
The original fortress was almost completely demolished by D. João V and its stones were used to repair the fortress of Monção. This is the reason why, today, we can only admire the tower and a “cisterna” (water-tank).
Visiting the Belém Tower of Minho, as it is affectionately known in the region, is an excelent way to learn a little of the county’s history.
Location: Monção
