Category: Military Architecture > Fort
District: Açores > Lajes do Pico > Lajes do Pico > Ribeira do Meio
Located in the Ribeira do Meio area, in the village of Lajes do Pico, the fort is positioned along the coastline. From there, one gets a view of the sea and the local anchorage area, integrating into the locality's coastal landscape.
This fort was erected at a time when the coast of Pico Island needed protection. Its main objective was to defend the Lajes do Pico anchorage area against possible attacks from pirates and privateers sailing these waters. It was a strategic point for the safety of the population and vessels.
The Fort of Santa Catarina stands out as the only example of military architecture on Pico Island that has survived to this day. In its original configuration, or after one of its expansions, it featured modest dimensions and had seven embrasures facing the sea, in addition to sentry boxes at the corners with views of the water. Later, in the 19th century, its facilities even housed a lime kiln, demonstrating the adaptation of the space over time.
Over the centuries, the fort suffered from the passage of time and reached a considerable state of ruin, with its walls and barracks damaged. However, through a restoration and regeneration intervention, it was recovered and transformed. This enhancement work was even recognized with a national landscape architecture award.
Today, the fort is an accessible and pleasant public space. The regeneration created a garden area that invites a pause. The highlight for visitors is undoubtedly the panoramic view over the Lajes do Pico bay and the immensity of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a serene environment to contemplate the coastal landscape.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_de_Santa_Catarina_(Lajes_do_Pico)
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.3999877,-28.2537835
Coordinates DMS: 38°23'60.0"N 28°15'13.6"W
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