Montachique Fort

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Loures > Fanhões > Vale de São Gião

Location

Forte de Montachique stands on Cabeço de Montachique, in Fanhões, municipality of Loures, at an altitude of 273 meters. Its strategic position offers views over the São Gião Valley and the surrounding rural landscape. This historic structure is integrated into the Cabeço de Montachique Municipal Park, a natural refuge where tranquility and nature combine with the region's military legacy.

A Pillar of Historical Defense

Also known as Reduto do Outeiro do Vale or Work No. 55, Forte de Montachique is an important element of the Lines of Torres Vedras. Built in the 19th century, in the context of the French Invasions, under the leadership of General Arthur Wellesley, this fort was part of Lisbon's second defensive line. Its existence is a testament to the ingenious Portuguese and British military strategy to protect the capital from Napoleonic incursions, marking a decisive period in Portuguese history.

Military Features

Designed to house a garrison of approximately 150 soldiers, Forte de Montachique reveals a practical and defensive military architecture. Inside, one can observe the features that once served its warlike purposes, such as a small powder magazine for ammunition storage and a traverse. The various embrasures, strategically positioned openings, allowed for artillery fire, which in 1829 included three 12-pounder cannons, directing fire towards the São Gião gorge and controlling access routes.

Natural Setting and Panoramic Views

Currently, Forte de Montachique functions as a historical and cultural landmark, set within a pleasant natural environment. The site, within the Cabeço de Montachique Municipal Park, is characterized by its rich forest, with cork oaks and oaks, providing an ideal setting for those seeking contact with nature and tranquility. From here, and other elevated points of the Cabeço, it is possible to contemplate vast panoramic views, reaching the Arrábida mountain range to the south, the Montejunto mountain range to the north, the Tagus estuary, and, on days of good visibility, even the city of Lisbon, offering a unique perspective on the region.

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