Conceição Fort or São João Baptista Fort or São João da Barra Fort

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Faro > Tavira > Cabanas de Tavira > Bairro Humberto Simão

Location

It is located to the east of Cabanas de Tavira, on a small hill near the Ria Formosa.

History

Background

The land where the fort was built belonged to the lands of Gomeira and possibly housed the Torre da Raposa, a Moorish watchtower.

Construction

It was built during the Portuguese Restoration War, on the initiative of Nuno de Mendonça, 2nd Count of Vale de Reis, in 1656. Expanded in 1670, with the possible collaboration of Pedro de Santa Colomba and João Vanicelli.

After Construction

Damaged by the 1755 earthquake and later remodeled in 1793, during the reign of Maria I of Portugal. During the 1st French invasion in 1808, it was taken by Captain Sebastião Martins Mestre. After the Portuguese Civil War (1828-1834), it was partially deactivated and served as a post for the Cabanas Fiscal Guard until 1905.

Features

Plan

It has a quadrangular star-shaped plan, with four bastions and access ramps to each one. In addition, it houses the governor's quarters, a chapel dedicated to São João Baptista, garrison quarters, stables, a warehouse, and a well.

Other information

- Currently, the fort is a tourist development.

- It was used in the filming of the movie "À Flor do Mar" (1986), by João César Monteiro.

The entrance features two tombstones

One referring to the original construction in 1672 and the other referring to the reconstruction in 1793.

- Throughout history, it had several governors, such as Domingos de Carpião Castanheda, Luís de Correia Mascarenhas, Belchior da Costa Correia Rebelo, and Caetano Pereira de Araújo e Sousa.

- Representations of the fort can be found in old maps and even in films, such as "Almadraba Atuneira" (1961).

The Forte da Conceição, also known as Forte de São João Baptista or Forte de São João da Barra, is an important historical landmark in Tavira, offering tourists a fascinating glimpse into the region's military past. With its privileged location and impressive architectural features, the fort attracts visitors interested in history and culture.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_de_São_João_da_Barra

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt