Simplício Fort / Left Fort (remnants) - Work No. 17

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Sobral de Monte Agraço > Santo Quintino > Alqueidão

Location

The Simplício Fort, also known as the Left Fort, is designated as Work nº 17 and is located in the town of Alqueidão, in the parish of Santo Quintino, within the municipality of Sobral de Monte Agraço. Situated at strategic points on the terrain, the location offers a privileged perspective of the rural surroundings, characterized by gentle elevations and valleys that extend across the landscape of the Lisbon district.

Its position was carefully chosen, taking advantage of the terrain's morphology for defensive purposes, and today it allows visitors to appreciate the tranquility of the countryside and the broad views over the agricultural lands and surrounding vegetation.

Historical Legacy and Purpose

The remains of the Simplício Fort represent an important link to a crucial period in Portuguese history, bearing witness to military engineering and the determination of a people. This Work nº 17 was an integral part of a complex and vast defensive system, built in the early 19th century, with the primary purpose of safeguarding the capital and halting the progression of invading armies.

Although today it presents itself as a collection of remnants and earthworks, the site evokes the scale and tactical intelligence underlying these constructions, which played a decisive role in the defense of the national territory against the threats of the time.

Characteristics and Atmosphere

When visiting the Simplício Fort, the interest lies in the remains that can still be observed on the ground. These include platforms, earthworks, and sometimes, remnants of walls or parapets that delineate the perimeter of the old structure.

Despite not being an intact fortification, the site allows for an immersion into the past and an understanding of its implementation on the terrain. The natural surroundings, often marked by local flora and fauna, contribute to a serene and reflective experience, where the silence of the countryside invites contemplation of the history and the landscape that once served as a stage for moments of great military and strategic significance.

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