ICLTVBreathe our culture deeply

The Interpretation Centre of The Lines of Torres Vedras (ICLTV) is a museological space divided into many locations which aims to preserve, study and promote the heritage of the Lines of Torres Vedras as a military defense system that dictated the ultimate withdrawal of the Napoleonic army of Portugal, in what became known as the 3rd French invasion - one of the most remarkable episodes of Peninsular War.

Located in the historic village of Sobral, once the scene of one of the most significant battles between Allied troops (Portuguese and English) and French troops - combat of Sobral or Sobral skirmishes.

ICLTV participates actively in the management of the Historical Route of The Lines of Torres Vedras (HRLTV) and has under its direct responsibilities the Alqueidão visit circuit. From ICLTV it is also possible to get to know Wellington circuit and obtain information about all the other visit circuits of the Historical Route of the Lines of Torres Vedras.

To study, document, preserve and communicate through the exhibition space the Alqueidão Circuit and the promotion of educational activities the historical memory of the Lines of Torres Vedras, with special focus on the events that took place in the region of Sobral in 1810.

It also is part of its mission to collaborate in the creation of best practices for the management and promotion of the Historical Route of the Lines of Torres Vedras (HRLTV), as a founding member of the Association for Heritage & Tourism of the Lines of Torres Vedras.

To protect, preserve and manage the municipal heritage Lines through archeology works and studies, history, museology, maintenance of vegetation, conservation and restoration of military structures.

To raise awareness of the role of the Lines of Torres Vedras in Portugal's history through guided tours, plus social and educational activities aimed at specific audiences.

To promote the execution of (sporadic and annual) cultural initiatives on the theme of the Lines of Torres Vedras, the French Invasions and the Peninsular War.

To promote heritage exploration by the local communities promoting its fruition by teachers and researchers so they can in turn develop their activities with students or learners.

To establish partnerships with other institutions unfolding the Lines of Torres Vedras potential for the purposes of research allowing to keep a fresh and innovative approach to the touristic product.

To contribute to the development of a qualified touristic offer.

To cooperate in the creation and organization of public or private initiatives related with cultural and landscape touring, nature tourism, gastronomy & wines so one can quickly adopt the best practices to the continuous enhancement of the region tourism.

The exhibition begins with a short documentary film that aims to place the visitor in the historical period offering references Napoleon arrival to power, the plans to conquer Europe, the hegemonic rivalry with England and the context in which this dispute involves Portugal, being invaded three times, hence its territory and people subjugated by a foreign power.

Throughout the exhibition 1810 stories are told, the place that had the most expressive stage combat - the Combat of Sobral - during the period in which the enemy assaulted the upmost effective of European History: The Lines of Torres Vedras.

The first room is about the construction techniques, the strategy and the defensive system military operation on the field as a complex system built to safeguard Lisbon, giving a special attention to Sobral Military District and its fortifications, particularly the Fort Alqueidão where Wellington established his HQ post of command.

The second room concerns the events, characters, locations, buildings which have marked the experience of this region in a troubled time for the Portuguese history which contributed decisively to the withdrawal of French troops of Marshal Massena and the front of the Lines of Torres and later the national territory.