Revelim de São Francisco: 155-metre military architecture and interpretation centre in Almeida

CARVALHO, José Vilhena de (1988) – Almeida – Subsídios para a sua História. 2 vols. Almeida: Câmara Municipal de Almeida. CAMPOS, João (2007) – Portas e Poternas da Praça-forte. Almeida: Câmara Municipal de Almeida.

Did you know that the Revelim de São Francisco, also known as the Revelim da Cruz, is made up of a redoubt with ridges stretching for around 155 metres?

This defensive structure includes a collar, escarpments and counter-escarpments, all covered with parapets and stools, and is surrounded by a 10 metre wide moat and an access ramp.

The Portas Exteriores de São Francisco are located in this reveal, which received important functional elements in the 19th century, such as a body of guards and a vaulted passageway. The barrel vaults house spaces such as the weapons room and the command room, where the officer of the day or quartermaster was stationed.

This space, deeply marked by the military history of the Praça-Forte de Almeida, now houses the Interpretation Centre for the Bastioned Fortresses of the Raia.

If you haven't visited it yet, we invite you to discover this strategic point of Portuguese military architecture and immerse yourself in the region's fortified heritage.