REVIVING THE SITE OF THE FOCAL CASTLE OF THE PORTUGUESE FRONTIER STRONGHOLD IN ALMEIDA (PORTUGAL).
A VISION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CASTLE
IN LIGHT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
JOÃO CAMPOS
ABSTRACT
This article is based on the research published in the book “Almeida – O Castelo de D. Dinis e a Fronteira de Portugal / The Castle of King Dinis and the Frontier of Portugal” (ed. Câmara Municipal de Almeida, 2013), which sought to inspire reflection about the restoration of the Castle of Almeida. The stronghold is one of the most impressive examples of modern fortification architecture in Portugal, and is of great value to cultural heritage, while the castle and its surroundings constitute an archaeological monument of considerable importance for the history of the country and the historiography of the modern art of military defence. The first fortifications on the opposite side of the natural border between Spain and Portugal were erected by king Dinis, paving the way for signing the momentous Treaty of Alcañices in 1297. The fortress went on to become the site of major historical events which played a significant role in the formation of Portuguese national identity.
Key words: Almeida, frontier, modern fortification architecture, archaeological research, revitalization