TORRES VEDRAS

town and concelho, (municipality), Lisboa district, Portugal, north of Lisbon. Roman inscriptions were found there, but the Latin name of the town, Turres Veteres, is probably of medieval origin. It was frequently a royal residence until the 16th century, and the ruins of a royal castle still remain. During the Peninsular War (180814), the Duke of Wellington constructed his famous lines (a defense system to protect Lisbon against the French) there. Torres Vedras is an agricultural trade centre, and viticulture is important. Pop. (1981) town, 10,997; concelho, 64,977.