The Torre das Águias (Tower of Eagles) is a Manueline-style building located in the village of Águias, in the freguesia of Brotas (English: Évora District, Portugal).[1] It was classified as a National Monument of Portugal by the Royal Decree No. 136 of June 23, 1910, and underwent restoration in 1946.
| Tower of Eagles | |
|---|---|
National monument of Portugal | |
 | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Location | Brotas |
| Country | Portugal |
| Coordinates | 38°52′30″N 8°07′38″W / 38.87500°N 8.12722°W |
The tower was commissioned by the Portuguese aristocrat Nuno Manuel in 1520, possibly built upon an older structure. It served as a resting place for nobles, known as hidalgos, who frequently went hunting in the region during that period.
Architecture
editThe tower has a square plan, measuring approximately 18 meters on each side and rising about 20 meters above the ground. It is constructed from granite ashlar and masonry and features a Manueline style. At the top, there are prominent pinnacles known in Portugal as coruchéus.
The ground floor consists of a hall covered with ribbed vaults. The first floor features a noble hall with a fireplace, also covered with ribbed vaults, along with some adjoining rooms. The second and third floors are undivided.
References
edit- ^ Saramago, José (2011). Viaggio in Portogallo (in Italian). Feltrinelli Editore. ISBN 978-88-07-72241-7.