Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Leiria > Nazaré > Nazaré > Sítio

Location:

The Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (Fort of Saint Michael Archangel) stands majestically on the tip of the Sítio promontory in Nazaré. Its elevated position offers a privileged perspective over the vast expanse of the Atlantic and the surrounding coastline. From there, it is possible to contemplate Praia da Nazaré and the iconic Praia do Norte, globally renowned for its extraordinarily large waves, shaped by the natural phenomenon of the Nazaré Canyon.

This geographical setting grants the fort a stunning backdrop, where the history of the fortress intertwines with the grandeur of the oceanic landscape, providing broad and memorable views of the village and its coast.

A Historical Legacy:

The history of Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo began in 1577, under the reign of D. Sebastião, with the purpose of protecting the cove and local fishing activities from pirate attacks that plagued the coast. Its current configuration is largely due to the remodelling and expansion ordered by D. João IV, the Restorer, in 1644.

It was during this era that a stone image of Saint Michael Archangel, patron saint of the fortress and many sanctuaries located in elevated places, was placed above the entrance portal, accompanied by an inscription perpetuating the date of its construction. Over the centuries, the fort was the stage for significant events, from resistance against the French Invasions, where it became a symbol of popular revolt, to the Liberal Wars, witnessing the political turmoil of the time.

By the early 20th century, without its original military function, the fort adapted to the new needs of the community. In 1903, at the request of fishermen, a lighthouse was installed there, which has since served as an essential guide for coastal navigation, reinforcing the building's connection to the sea and the life of Nazaré.

Architecture and Essence:

With Mannerist features, the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo presents an irregular plan, perfectly adapted to the morphology of the rocky promontory where it is situated. Its robust walls, built of stone masonry and reinforced with buttresses, housed within them various dependencies that served the needs of the military garrison, including barracks and warehouses.

On the upper floor, there is the Praça de Armas (Parade Ground), a central space reflecting the defensive organisation of the fortress. The weathered image of Saint Michael Archangel, above the entrance gate, although marked by time and historical acts of vandalism, continues to be an eloquent testament to the fort's dedication and its resilience over the centuries.

The Fort and the Giant Waves:

In current times, the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo has gained new relevance, becoming one of the world's most famous observation points for the giant wave phenomenon at Praia do Norte. It is from its walls that one can closely appreciate the colossal dimension of these waves that attract elite surfers from all continents.

Inside the fort, visitors find an interpretive centre dedicated to the Nazaré Canyon, scientifically explaining the geological and oceanographic conditions that give rise to these monumental waves. The space also houses an exhibition of surfboards and other symbolic objects, offered by some of the most audacious surfers who have challenged the waves of Nazaré, celebrating the culture of extreme surfing and the impact of this location on the global panorama of water sports.

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