Feiteira fort
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249 m high, with a perimeter of 287.5 m and an area of ± 5901m2, Feiteira fort was built after the withdrawal of the Napoleonic army from the Lines. This medium dimension fort is part of the 1st Defensive Line of the Lines of Torres Vedras (Lines of Defense to the North of Lisbon during the Peninsular War). Placed between Catefica and Archeira forts, respectively to the north and south of this fortification and under the command of the general Spencer and the baron of Eben, Feiteira fort was built to defend Ribaldeira and Runa valleys. It had 13 spots and 9 cannons (6 of 9-gauge and 3 of 12-gauge), with a 350-man garrison. The ditch has a scarp and counterscarp (outer ditch wall) in masonry and the interior traverses well defined, with bed in masonry.
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 Feiteira fort is the military work nº. 129), 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.
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249 m high, with a perimeter of 287.5 m and an area of ± 5901m2, Feiteira fort was built after the withdrawal of the Napoleonic army from the Lines. This medium dimension fort is part of the 1st Defensive Line of the Lines of Torres Vedras (Lines of Defense to the North of Lisbon during the Peninsular War). Placed between Catefica and Archeira forts, respectively to the north and south of this fortification and under the command of the general Spencer and the baron of Eben, Feiteira fort was built to defend Ribaldeira and Runa valleys. It had 13 spots and 9 cannons (6 of 9-gauge and 3 of 12-gauge), with a 350-man garrison. The ditch has a scarp and counterscarp (outer ditch wall) in masonry and the interior traverses well defined, with bed in masonry.
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 Feiteira fort is the military work nº. 129), 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.
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Lisboa e Vale do Tejo
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Torres Vedras
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Serras do Socorro e Archeira Local Protected Landscape
Identification and Access
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Yes
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Access coming from:
- Torres Vedras (7.5 km) - N8 by Venda do Pinheiro and Turcifal to Catefica and then follow the signs “Forte da Feiteira”;
- Lisboa - A8 direction Leiria just to the exit to Torres Vedras Sul and then follow the signs “Forte da Feiteira”;
- Porto – A1 exit in the direction of Aveiro, converge with A25, continue on A17 towards Leiria. Take A8 to Torres Vedras Sul exit and follow the signs "Forte da Feiteira". * Alternatively you can take N1 through Leiria to Rio Maior. From Rio Maior take IC2 to Alcoentre and N115 to Torres Vedras. Arriving in Torres Vedras, follow N8 Lisbon and, in Catefica, next to A8 Torres Vedras Sul roundabout, follow the signs "Forte da Feiteira".
Public transports
Buses - Barraqueiro Oeste
From Torres Vedras: stop near Catefica roundabout, next to the access to the A8 Torres Vedras Sul. Note: the bus does not cross Archeira hills, so the rest of the route will have to walk to the fort (approximately 4 km).
Taxi - tel. (00351) 261 322 641
Base Characterization
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Cultural Historical
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Rural.
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Public
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Nineteenth century
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Nineteenth century
Tips
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Enjoy the view from this area.
For a better understanding of the Torres Lines defensive system, you can visit the Torres Lines Interpretation Center and / or have a guided tour (payed).
Câmara Municipal de Torres Vedras
Av. 5 de Outubro
2560-270 Torres Vedras
Tel.: (00351) 261 320 732
E-mail: turismo@cm-tvedras.pt
