Monuments

On the left bank of the river Rio Minho, around 5 kilometres from Monção, there is the imposing Tower of Lapela. King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal ordered Senhor do Couto e Abreu, Lourenço de Abreu to build the castle in 1130. Two centuries on, the keep was built during the reign of Fernando (1367-83). His coat of arms remains above the main entranceway.

On the orders of king João V, part of this defensive structure was completely demolished in 1706 so that the stones could be used to strengthen the castle of Monção. What remains is the keep that can still be seen today.

Image: Courtesy of Câmara Municipal de Monção (Town Hall)