At the beginning of 2021, Sobral de Monte Agraço fulfilled an old desire: to create a piece of art that would become a deserved tribute to the Lines of Torres Vedras and to the heroic efforts of the people and the Portuguese and English military in defence of the independence of Portugal, during the third French Invasion.
The challenge was made to the sculptor Rogério Timóteo, who created a sculptural set composed of 152 pillars, representing the total of forts and strongholds that make up the defensive system built north of Lisbon to protect the capital from the attack of Napoleonic troops, in 1810. According to the author of the piece, "suspended on some pillars are fragments of a different metal décor that, when viewed from certain angles, allow us to visualize the silhouette of an infantry soldier and a cannon". The sculptor also explains that, being deployed in the centre of a roundabout, the sculptural set has the necessary characteristics not to impair the vision of motorists, since the configuration of the piece allows any location on the road to be seen from the other side. "It is in this duality of observation by motorists that the dynamic of the piece, with its absence-presence, is developed, creating an apparent movement capable of constantly renewing the observer's gaze".
The sculpture is installed on the roundabout off highway no. 8 to Sobral de Monte Agraço, near Sapataria, as this was a key location during the occupation of the first defensive line by allied troops during the period of time when they were harassed by the enemy.
This area of land, protected by the rear of the Alqueidão Fort, allowed Wellington to move quickly between two essential points for observation and sending messages – the Senhora do Socorro Communications Centre and the Alqueidão Fort Command Post. William Beresford - Commander of the Portuguese Army - also installed his headquarters in Casal Cochim, next to the roundabout where the sculpture now stands.
Thus, the chosen location symbolically represents the defensive strategy designed for the Torres Vedras Lines that was developed, deepened and readjusted in this space where both headquarters once coexisted, in a privileged position from a tactical, logistical, geographic and ways of communication point of view, which optimized the circulation of troops, messages and dispatches.
Not far from this point were the headquarters of La Romana and Spencer, since all military operations were concentrated at the centre of the First Line.
The remarkable work carried out by the sculptor Rogério Timóteo has, in its approach to the theme, a strong contemporary component, contributing to the promotion of a historical heritage that is part of the identity of Portugal and Europe - The Lines of Torres Vedras. Faced with this defensive system, one of the most competent French commanders – André Massena – suffered his first defeat, finally withdrawing from Portugal in 1811, marking the beginning of the end of Napoleon's hegemonic aspirations.
From here, visitors can set out to discover breath-taking landscapes, which can only be seen from the top of the Lines of Torres Vedras forts. We suggest that you start your trip at the Sobral de Monte Agraço Lines of Torres Vedras Interpretation Centre, and from there go to visit the forts of the Alqueidão Tour, passing by the Church of Santo Quintino – both National Monuments –, located in an area of terrain protected by allied troops, as an advanced observation position. If your curiosity is still keen, venture along the Wellington Trail, one of the six themed trails on the Historic Route of the Lines of Torres Vedras.
