On 20 October, the municipality of Arruda dos Vinhos, a founding member of the Rota Histórica das Linhas de Torres (RHLT), hosted the official celebration of National Torres Lines Day. The event, which has become an essential part of heritage commemoration in Portugal, highlights the historical legacy and cooperation within the territories affected by the defence lines built in the face of the Napoleonic invasions.
Meaningful recognition: Charles Bonaparte receives Wellington Honour
One of the highlights of this year's event was the presentation of the Wellington Honour award to the Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes (FECN) - Destination Napoleon.
The prize was symbolically received by Charles Bonaparte, founder and Honorary Chairman of the FECN. His presence and his speech conveyed a powerful message: «The aim is to »promote dialogue between historical heritages in order to build a Europe of understanding and peace".»
In a place that was once a theatre of military confrontation between Wellington and Napoleon, the award of this distinction to a member of the Bonaparte family represents a strong gesture of reconciliation, shared memory and a common European future.
Awards celebrating commitment, innovation and heritage
In addition to this major distinction, the ceremony honoured a number of exemplary initiatives in the fields of inclusion, sustainability, cultural promotion and historic tourism:
- Service de Soutien à la Déficience Visuelle de Lourinhã - Accessibility & inclusion
- Quinta de S. Sebastião - Environment & Sustainability
- ModelStep - Historical modelling - Culture & creativity
- Torres Vedras Walking and Trekking Association / Western Tourism Centre - Sport & adventure
- Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes (FECN) - Promotion and dissemination
Launch of the «Cahiers Thématiques» series»
The day also marked the launch of the Thematic Notebooks, a new editorial collection designed to explore the territories of the Torres Lines.
The first volume, entitled Centre, highlights the historic centres of the eight municipalities that make up the RHLT.
A living, forward-looking heritage
The ceremony concluded with a toast to the Torres Lines - celebrating courage, perseverance and a visionary spirit the people who have shaped this defensive system, which is unique in Europe.
This celebration confirms the essential role played by the Torres Lines in the construction of a new world. shared memory, but also their place in contemporary dynamics:
- international cooperation
- sustainable cultural tourism
- historical transmission
- regional development
Through the presence and participation of Charles Bonaparte, This day was a reminder that the pages of history can be reread together, to nurture dialogue, understanding and a shared multi-perspective European vision.
Practical information
Torres Vedras National Lines Day
Date October 20th
Location: : Arruda dos Vinhos
For further information: https://www.cm-arruda.pt/comunicar/noticias/noticia/dia-nacional-das-linhas-de-torres-2025