Gomariz Tower

The Gomariz Tower, locally known as Torre de Gomariz, stands west of the village of Cervães in the Cávado region in Portugal.

The tower was built in the 14th century by Pedro da Cunha. It was the seat of a noble estate belonging to the Gomariz family, a lineage of local lords connected to the royal court of King Denis (1279–1325). It passed to the Sousa family in the 15th century, whose descendants continued to occupy it well into the early modern period. Additions made in the 16th and 17th centuries transformed the medieval tower into a stately rural residence.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the property fell into decay, and the tower’s interior collapsed. It was restored in the 2000s and is now part of a luxury hotel and restaurant. As such, the Gomariz Tower is now only accessible to guests of the hotel and restaurant.

Situated among the vineyards and oak groves in the Minho region, the tower rises about 12 meters in height, beside a former agricultural enclosure. Its square plan, built entirely of finely dressed granite, measures about 10 meters on each side and consists of 4 storeys linked by a spiral staircase within the thickness of the wall. The upper level features pointed crenellations, machicolations, a cornice line with gargoyles, and small double windows fitted with mullions. On the front facade, a window is flanked by two coats of arms, one of which is that of the Cunha family. It is a fine example of the late medieval fortified manor towers common in northern Portugal. 

A beautiful tower. Another tower, the Azevedo Tower, is not far away.

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