It is located in the town, parish and municipality of Nazaré, central Portugal
Forte da Nazaré stands in a dominant position over Nazaré beach as a traditional fishing spot, sanctuary and spa on the Portuguese coast, and its location makes this fortification spectacular and special with stunning and unmissable views.
Open to the public since 2014, it has one of the most enigmatic views over the town of Nazaré, and is one of the favorite places for those who like to see giant waves.
The construction of this Mannerist-style monument began during the reign of D. Sebastião, in 1577, with the aim of defending the cove from attacks by Algerian, Moroccan, Dutch and Norman pirates on the Atlantic coast.
In 1644, and due to its position, King João IV “the Restorer” ordered its remodeling and expansion.
The fortress was named after S. Miguel Archangel who is the patron saint of this beautiful viewpoint, and in bad weather the sea throws strong waves against the cliff where the fort is located, and at this time you can watch a nature show that is very impressive and mysterious, making this place even more magical.
On the facade of the fort over the entrance portal, D. João IV had a limestone image of “Saint Michael the Archangel” placed with the caption “ELREY DOM JUAN-1644”, the date marking the year of its construction.
At the beginning of the 20th century, fishermen informed the government of the need to install a lighthouse and a house for the lighthouse keeper there to support fishing activities.
In 1903, consolidation and restoration works were carried out to install the lighthouse in the Fort, and finally on December 1, 1903, a harbor light installed in the Fort of S. Miguel Arcanjo began operating.
The characteristics of this maritime fortification are in Mannerist style, and have an irregular organic plan (adapted to the rocky promontory on which it rests), with a bastion at each apex.
The walls made of irregular stone with stonework at the apexes have buttresses, housing eight rooms that served the functions of Troop Barracks, Command House, Magazine and Warehouses, and on the second floor is the Plaza de Armas.
The Fort contains a kind of surfing museum with photos of surfers who dared to face the big waves, videos and surf and bodyboards, some boards on display are autographed, and the views from the top are excellent.
In the low season, visitors can park near the fort, and take a nice walk down the Sítio hill to the fort, with fantastic views over the village and the beaches of Nazaré.
Open to the public since 2014, it has one of the most enigmatic views over the town of Nazaré, and is one of the favorite places for those who like to see giant waves.
The construction of this Mannerist-style monument began during the reign of D. Sebastião, in 1577, with the aim of defending the cove from attacks by Algerian, Moroccan, Dutch and Norman pirates on the Atlantic coast.
In 1644, and due to its position, King João IV “the Restorer” ordered its remodeling and expansion.
The fortress was named after S. Miguel Archangel who is the patron saint of this beautiful viewpoint, and in bad weather the sea throws strong waves against the cliff where the fort is located, and at this time you can watch a nature show that is very impressive and mysterious, making this place even more magical.
On the facade of the fort over the entrance portal, D. João IV had a limestone image of “Saint Michael the Archangel” placed with the caption “ELREY DOM JUAN-1644”, the date marking the year of its construction.
At the beginning of the 20th century, fishermen informed the government of the need to install a lighthouse and a house for the lighthouse keeper there to support fishing activities.
In 1903, consolidation and restoration works were carried out to install the lighthouse in the Fort, and finally on December 1, 1903, a harbor light installed in the Fort of S. Miguel Arcanjo began operating.
The characteristics of this maritime fortification are in Mannerist style, and have an irregular organic plan (adapted to the rocky promontory on which it rests), with a bastion at each apex.
The walls made of irregular stone with stonework at the apexes have buttresses, housing eight rooms that served the functions of Troop Barracks, Command House, Magazine and Warehouses, and on the second floor is the Plaza de Armas.
The Fort contains a kind of surfing museum with photos of surfers who dared to face the big waves, videos and surf and bodyboards, some boards on display are autographed, and the views from the top are excellent.
In the low season, visitors can park near the fort, and take a nice walk down the Sítio hill to the fort, with fantastic views over the village and the beaches of Nazaré.
