Did you know a watchtower could become a home? Casa da Torre da Lagariça stands before us. It is more than just a building. It is a story etched in stone and time.
Casa da Torre da Lagariça has a history that stretches back to the medieval period. The Pintos family, noblemen and lords, lived here. They came from Riba de Bestança and the Covelas palace. Gonçalo Martins Cochofel was likely the first lord of Lagariça. In the early 16th century he married D. Briolanja Pinto.
Imagine the Middle Ages. Watchmen used this tower to control the surroundings. It was a strategic point. In 1610, the Pintos Cochoféis owned it. They transformed the tower. It became their family home.
The name Casa da Torre Tower House reveals its origins. An ancient castle tower once stood here. It was attached to the manor house. This tower served as a jail. It also served as a watchtower in the 12th century. Houses were later built around it. It became the dwelling of the Lords of the Tower of Lagariça.
Casa da Torre’s significance is officially recognized. It was declared a Public Interest Building on September 29th 1977. Its charm even inspired a famous writer. Eça de Queiroz visited here. It is said that this place inspired his novel “The Illustrious House of Ramires”. The house is similar to the one in the novel.
The surrounding farm adds to the allure. Beautiful cultivated fields and fruit trees surround the house. There is also the Eira Velha. This is the farm’s highest spot. Legend says Eça de Queiroz sat here. He admired the scenery and wrote his novel.
Other features include the niches of the Way of the Cross. You can see the Tanque das Murtas Myrtles Tank. Romantic gardens invite you to stroll. A wood with stone benches offers rest. There is even a replica of the tower. It served as a dovecote.
The Cochofel family owns this magnificent manor house. Visiting the exterior is possible. You just need the owners’ consent. Casa da Torre da Lagariça represents history and heritage. It is a blend of military past and noble residence. It is a landmark that continues to inspire.