Category: Military Architecture > Fort
District: Lisboa > Cascais > Cascais > Gandarinha
The Fort of Santa Marta stands majestically in the town of Cascais, in Gandarinha, within the district of Lisbon. Its strategic position, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, provides a privileged view of the vast blue expanse and the surrounding coastline. Situated on an elevated and rocky point, the fort dominates the maritime landscape, offering a unique perspective of the Cascais bay and the sea horizons, essential characteristics for its original defensive function.
Built in the 17th century, the Fort of Santa Marta played a crucial role in the complex network of coastal fortifications aimed at protecting the entrance to the Tagus estuary and the Portuguese capital from maritime attacks. Its construction is part of a period of intense defensive activity on the Portuguese coast, aiming to safeguard the territory from invasions and piracy. Each wall and tower bears witness to centuries of history, serving as a permanent sentinel that once watched over the movement at sea.
This stone bastion represents the ingenious military response to the threats of the time, being a symbol of the resilience and strategic importance of this coastal strip. Its presence recalls the challenges and defense priorities that have shaped the Cascais coastline over time.
The architecture of the Fort of Santa Marta is a robust and functional example of military engineering from its period. Its thick walls and bastions, built of stone, were designed to withstand the pounding of the sea and enemy attacks. The layout of the fortification harmoniously adapts to the rocky profile of the terrain, maximizing its defensive capacity and its integration into the natural landscape.
Today, beyond its imposing structure, the fort offers an environment for contemplation. The sound of the waves crashing against the rocks and the sea breeze create a serene and inviting atmosphere, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the site while reflecting on its military past. Watching the sunset from its ancient walls is a particularly evocative experience, uniting the grandeur of nature with the solidity of history.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_de_Santa_Marta
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.69039428394197,-9.420985844292911
Coordinates DMS: 38°41'25.4"N 09°25'15.5"W
Weather Cascais
On-duty Pharmacy Cascais
