County Heritage Routes | Fort of Santo António da Barra
Built in 1590 on the cliffs of São João do Estoril by order of King Filipe I, the Santo António da Barra Fort was designed by military engineer and priest Giovanni Vincenzo Casale, a Neapolitan in the service of the Spanish Crown, who arrived in Portugal in 1589 to fortify the Tagus bar against possible attacks by English ships. By the end of the 16th century, it was already built and ready to receive artillery, and was kept garrisoned and armed until the end of the following century. During the liberal struggles, it underwent some interventions and improvements and received artillery with the respective garrison.
After losing its military importance, the fort was converted into a tax office, a holiday camp for the Odivelas Women's Institute of Education and Work, and the summer residence of the President of the Council, António Oliveira Salazar, who suffered the accident known as the ‘chair fall’ on the 8th of August 1968, which led to his removal from power and, shortly afterwards, his death.
- Meeting point: Av. da República, in front of Casa das Histórias Paula Rego, in Cascais
- Over 10 years old
- Booking form: HERE
More information: +351 917 260 052 (call national mobile network) | weekdays from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm
Organisation: Cascais Town Council
