Portagem Tower

Portagem Tower, locally known as Torre de Portagem, stands in the village of the same name in the Alto Alentejo region in Portugal.

The Portagem Tower is thought to have been built in the 14th century, as it was first mentioned in 1416. It is situated next to a Roman road, coming from the direction of what is now Spain, and near a bridge over the Sever River. The bridge itself is thought to be of Roman origin.

The tower served as a toll station for merchants entering Portugal from Castile, and in the 2nd half of the 15th century also served to control and tax the entry of some 15,000 Jews expelled from Castile and Aragon. Its name, 'Portagem', actually translates to 'toll'.

It lies beneath the south side of the ridge where the great Marvão Castle is situated.

Portagem Tower can only be seen externally. It didn't look like it was ever open to the public.

Gallery