Tower of Bera

[1][2] António Nogueira Gonçalves notes its strategic position along the line of defensive fortifications tied to Coimbra, that connected the valley of Mondego and Penela, across the River Dueça;[3] this modest redoubt complimented the larger castles in Penela, Miranda and Coimbra.

[2] The fact that some Roman material was reused to erect the structure, suggest a history that extends further back, before the 10th century.

[1] There are few documents that refer to the Tower of Bera, but it passed through regal donation, which normally occurred to lands conquered from the Moors.

[1] Consequently, it is probable that it was included in the territory neighbouring lands, such as Almalaguês, seat of the current parish, or Ceira.

[3] But, there is modest evidence of other towers (such as the disappeared structure in Castelo Viegas), suggesting a direct relationship with the other larger castles of the region, indicating that this was not just a private rural fortification,[1] but part of a grander vision laid-out from Coimbra and encompassing the south of the river.

[2] One of the important characteristics was the existence of rudimentary embrasures on the second floor, indicating the need to maintain military vigilance against the Muslim forces.

[2][4] It still retains the medieval character of the Middle Ages, along with costumes and traditions from this period, much of the study associated with the "life" of the tower have been completed by Dr. Margarida Ribeiro.

Visiting in 1949, A. Nogueira Gonçalves indicated that the tower gate was found on the ground; its rectangular door was considered simple in terms of construction.