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Tower of Refoios, Palace of Curutelo (Freixo) and Palace of Bertiandos

Ponte de Lima 41º 46’ 7,7” N | 8º 35’ 3,4” W
Ponte de Lima

Medieval constructions, or constructions where traces of the Middle Ages are visible, are easy to find throughout the municipality of Ponte de Lima, especially if we observe several elements that usually go unnoticed in civil, military and religious architecture. 

The Torre de Refoios, which belonged to Afonso Ansemondes, believed to be owner and/ or founder of the building and companion of Afonso Henriques during the foundation of Portuguese nationality (12th century), predates the origin of the convent of Refoios (also built by the family of this nobleman) and stands as a remarkable example for military architecture allied to civil architecture. 
According to the patrimony classification, it is an example of "residential architecture, medieval, with a tower of squared plan with four registers, opened by crevices. The main façade has an axis door with a pointed arch on the second floor and a two-story, addorsed, residential wing with an L-shaped plan".
The Paço do Curutelo, in Freixo, is also worth a reference, due to its features and characteristics. Probably dating back to the Middle Ages, in terms of classified heritage, the palace is described as a noble house of the 15th century, with castle-like features, following the medieval tradition of the house-tower. This tower can be seen in the centre of the residential wing, which has a lower elevation. The planning regularity can lead one to believe the construction to be from around the 16th century.



Tower of Refoios - 41º 47' 28,1'' N | 8º 32' 44,2'' W

Palace of Curutelo -
41º 39' 11,6'' N | 8º 36' 19,1'' W



Description
Medieval constructions, or constructions where traces of the Middle Ages are visible, are easy to find throughout the municipality of Ponte de Lima, especially if we observe several elements that usually go unnoticed in civil, military and religious architecture. 

The Torre de Refoios, which belonged to Afonso Ansemondes, believed to be owner and/ or founder of the building and companion of Afonso Henriques during the foundation of Portuguese nationality (12th century), predates the origin of the convent of Refoios (also built by the family of this nobleman) and stands as a remarkable example for military architecture allied to civil architecture. 
According to the patrimony classification, it is an example of "residential architecture, medieval, with a tower of squared plan with four registers, opened by crevices. The main façade has an axis door with a pointed arch on the second floor and a two-story, addorsed, residential wing with an L-shaped plan".
The Paço do Curutelo, in Freixo, is also worth a reference, due to its features and characteristics. Probably dating back to the Middle Ages, in terms of classified heritage, the palace is described as a noble house of the 15th century, with castle-like features, following the medieval tradition of the house-tower. This tower can be seen in the centre of the residential wing, which has a lower elevation. The planning regularity can lead one to believe the construction to be from around the 16th century.
Contacts
Tower of Refoios - 41º 47' 28,1'' N | 8º 32' 44,2'' W

Palace of Curutelo -
41º 39' 11,6'' N | 8º 36' 19,1'' W

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