One of the most dramatic events of the Third French Invasion and the Peninsular War, the siege of Almeida in 1810 was also one of the most tragic: the explosion of the armoury installed in the castle, which witnesses compared to the sudden eruption of a volcano, was seen and felt for miles around and caused hundreds of deaths. The stronghold was forced to surrender prematurely, with immediate repercussions for Wellington’s strategy.
Every year, the Municipality of Almeida, in partnership with the Portuguese Army, organises a historical re-enactment of the events of 1810. In the 20th edition — which took place from the 30th of August to the 1st of September 2024 — there was everything but an armoury explosion: life in the military camp, military manoeuvres and the daily life of the time, with its musicians, composers and dances. Thematic conferences, various workshops, tributes and protocol ceremonies also helped to guarantee visitors a weekend that was fun, educational and, above all, very different from the usual.
