Category: Military Architecture > Fort
District: Lisboa > Cascais > Alcabideche
The Guincho Fort stands in the parish of Cascais, municipality of Cascais, in a dominant position over Abano Beach. From this location, it is possible to enjoy a wide and unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline.
Its surroundings are characterized by the proximity to the sea and extensive sandy areas, set within a wild and scenic coastal landscape. This strategic location highlights its original importance as a point of defense and observation.
This fort, sometimes also referred to as Forte das Velas or Forte do Abano, was erected in 1642. Its construction was part of a vast defense plan for the Tagus River Mouth, a strategic effort to safeguard the Portuguese coast against potential attacks or landings.
The primary purpose of the Guincho Fort was to prevent hostile vessels from entering the adjacent beaches, including Guincho Beach and Abano Beach. Additionally, it served as a crucial watchtower, establishing visual communication with other coastal fortifications and strengthening maritime surveillance.
The fortress features a quadrangular layout. Its original structure consisted of two distinct areas: a smaller, landward-facing section that housed the living quarters and was organized around a central courtyard; and a larger, sea-facing platform where the battery was installed, originally equipped with seven artillery pieces for coastal defense.
Over the centuries, the fort's configuration underwent some alterations, especially in the late 19th century, driven by the need to reinforce the structure against potential collapses of the rocky platform. Although it is currently in ruins, the Guincho Fort retains its recognition as a Property of Public Interest, a classification granted in 1977, attesting to its historical and heritage significance.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_do_Guincho
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.73988172777603,-9.473146834601526
Coordinates DMS: 38°44'23.6"N 09°28'23.3"W
Weather Alcabideche
On-duty Pharmacy Alcabideche
