Barbosa Tower

The Barbosa Tower, locally known as Torre de Barbosa or Honra de Barbosa, stands south of the village of Rans in the Tâmega e Sousa region in Portugal.

According to tradition, the first military structure at this site was built in 866. The earliest reliable record of that fortification dates to the 12th century, when it was part of the Honor of Barbosa, an administrative division owned and governed by Mem Moniz de Ribadouro. He is also believed to have built a stately residence here.

The present appearance of the Barbosa Tower, however, dates from the mid-14th century and was later modified through two renovations during the reigns of King John I (1385-1433) and King Manuel I (1495-1521). Throughout the 15th century, the Honor of Barbosa was controlled by the Sousa family. In the early 16th century, it passed to the Azevedo family, and was inherited by Francisco de Ataíde e Azevedo in 1559. His descendants, now known as De Ataíde Azevedo e Brito Malafaia, own the site to this day.

The tower has a square plan and appears to be 3 stories tall, with slender crenellations. It is surrounded by 3 wings forming a small courtyard. Opposite the tower, there is a charming medieval chapel situated in a field.

Today, the Barbosa Tower is private property and cannot be visited. It is situated at the end of a dead-end road. It is a simple but nice tower.

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