Fortress of Peniche

Category: Military Architecture > Fortress

District: Leiria > Peniche > Peniche

Location

Located in the city of Peniche, at the southern end of the district of Leiria, on the cliffs, between the fishing port and the Furninha Cave.

National Monument

Classified as a National Monument since 1938.

Ancient History

Built from 1557 to defend the coast against attacks by corsairs and pirates. It was expanded during the Restoration War of Independence.

Defensive System

Includes the Fortress of Peniche, the Fort of Praia da Consolação and the Fort of São João Baptista in the Berlengas.

Wars and Occupations

Occupied by French troops during the Napoleonic invasion in 1807 and by English troops later. It had military importance until 1897.

Political Prison

Used as a political prison during the Estado Novo, it was the scene of famous escapes, including that of Álvaro Cunhal in 1960.

Museum of Resistance and Freedom

Currently houses the Museum of Resistance and Freedom, part of the Portuguese Network of Museums, highlighting the anti-fascist resistance and local history.

Structure

Composed of various defensive constructions with a bulwarked structure, adapted to the terrain, covering an area of about two hectares.

Visitation

The museum in the fort is visited annually by thousands of people and includes exhibitions on the anti-fascist resistance and the history of Peniche.

Recent Events

Reopened to the public as the National Museum of Resistance and Freedom in April 2024, with commemorative events for the 50th anniversary of the Carnation Revolution.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Praça-forte_de_Peniche

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