Archeira Fort

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In a strategic place of the Torres Lines' defensive system, the Archeira Fort, also known as Furadouro Redoute or "Cheira", is a large military construction that belonged to the 1st Defensive Line, along with Catefica and Feiteira forts, a little to the north of this fortification, whose objective was the defense of Ribaldeira and Runa valleys, under the command of the Baron of Eben and the General Spencer. Built at a height of 345 m, it was the great fortification of the Caduceira hills and was designed for a garrison of 500 soldiers.

Although it does not have heavy artillery, there are vestiges of what appears to be a half-buried gunpowder storehouse. According to the plan of Homem de Cunha D’Eça, this fort also had a sign post.

The Lisbon Lines of Defense, commonly known as Torres Lines, were built by order of the British general Wellesley, extending for about 80 km in a total of 152 fortifications works (the Archeira fort is the military work nº. 128), between Torres Vedras and the Tagus river, that ensured the defense of the Atlantic coast and the river estuary, being considered the most efficient system of field fortifications in the military architecture history. From 1809 to 1812, terrain surveys were carried out and were built forts, steep escarpments, abatises and palisades (using maritime pines) to halt the advance of the French Napoleonic troops. Roads and bridges were also destroyed to difficult the progression of the French army led by General Massena.

Abatises - obstacle formed by cut or felled trees tied up with sharpened branches facing the enemy.

Ditch – long excavation dug around a fort or castle built to slow down enemy troops. The walls of a ditch are called scarp (the one closest to the fort) and counterscarp (or outer ditch wall).

Escarpments – steep slope (scarp) built in front of a fortification.

Palisade - long strong stake pointed at the top and close with others built as a defense.

Spot – opening where the artillery pieces were placed.

Traverses – protection from enemy fire made with large amounts of soil.