Category: Military Architecture > Fort
District: Lisboa > Mafra > Ericeira
Ponto do Canhão is located in Ericeira, a coastal town in the municipality of Mafra. This site is situated on an elevated position, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, offering a wide view of the coastline and the waters that bathe Ericeira. Its location allows for the framing of the maritime landscape's dimension, being integrated into the urban fabric of the town, but with a distinctive character due to its openness to the sea and its proximity to the sandy shore.
The name "Ponto do Canhão" evokes a past of coastal defense. This site once played a strategic role in the surveillance and protection of the coast against possible invasions or pirate attacks. The presence of a cannon, even if symbolic or a remnant, underlines its importance as a defensive bulwark of the town. It testifies to the resilience and the need for protection of coastal communities over the centuries.
From Ponto do Canhão, it is possible to contemplate a vast expanse of the Atlantic. The landscape is dominated by the intense blue of the sea and the characteristic rocky formations of the Ericeira coast. The sound of the waves breaking at the base of the cliffs and the sea breeze create an immersive environment, ideal for a moment of pause and contemplation. The natural light, particularly at sunset, can create a striking scene for those who appreciate the beauty of the coast.
Coordinates DD: 38.96169792180769, -9.4197714199656
Coordinates DMS: 38°57'42.1"N 09°25'11.2"W