Bataria da Lage

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Oeiras > Santo Amaro de Oeiras > Bataria da Lage

Location

The Lage Battery is located in Santo Amaro de Oeiras, a coastal area of Oeiras that offers a unique setting. Situated between the beaches of Saisa and Santo Amaro, its position provides a wide perspective over the Tagus Estuary and the vast Atlantic Ocean. From this strategic location, the view reaches the Bugio Lighthouse, marking the horizon and underscoring its historical importance in defending the Lisbon bar.

A Defensive Legacy

Built between 1887 and 1889, the Lage Battery was conceived as a crucial fortification for coastal protection. Initially equipped in 1902 with 15cm rapid-fire Krupp artillery pieces, it witnessed significant moments in Portuguese military history. Its relevance was evident in 1903, when it was integrated into the Lisbon Entrenched Camp, and later, in 1936, it participated in defensive actions. Its infrastructures were modernized in the mid-20th century, and the original artillery pieces, although demilitarized, remain preserved, representing a rare example of public access to this type of historical armament in Portugal. The old ammunition lifts, which connected the underground magazines to the weapons, can still be observed, evoking the operational complexity of the battery.

Witnesses to History

Beyond its military structure, the Lage Battery houses spaces dedicated to memory and heritage. There are rooms that address the history of Coastal Artillery, revealing details about the country's maritime defense. Other environments pay homage to the Portuguese Army Commandos and the Commando Association, which currently oversees the site. It is possible to observe pieces and artifacts of great symbolic value, such as historical military vehicles, a statue with a past linked to Macau, and other objects that reflect the identity and journey of the military force and the association itself. These elements provide a perspective on different chapters of Portuguese military history and culture.

Preservation and Purpose

The Lage Battery stands out as a model for the conservation of historical-military heritage. After a period of abandonment, it was recovered and is now managed by a non-governmental organization, the Commando Association. The space, although not a museum in the conventional sense, has been carefully adapted to serve as a headquarters and meeting point for members and their guests. It remains a dynamic place where history intersects with camaraderie and sharing, taking advantage of the pleasant natural environment provided by its proximity to the ocean and the presence of pine forest.

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