Fort of São Julião da Ericeira

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Carvoeira

Location

The Fort of São Julião da Ericeira is located in the parish of Carvoeira, in the municipality of Mafra, set within an elevated rural landscape. Situated at approximately 74 meters above sea level, this location offers a broad perspective of the coastal area, particularly the beaches of Foz do Lizandro and São Julião, south of Ericeira.

Its strategic position, by the Atlantic coast, is a testament to its past military importance, allowing for effective surveillance of the coastline and the terrestrial communication routes of the time.

Historical and Strategic Context

This fort, also known as the Redoubt of São Julião or Military Work No. 97, was built in the early 19th century, in 1810, as an integral part of the vast defensive system of the Lines of Torres Vedras. Its construction, ordered by General Wellesley, aimed to protect the beaches and support the English fleet, while also controlling the road connecting Ericeira to Sintra, a crucial route for a potential withdrawal of the Anglo-Portuguese troops.

The Fort of São Julião was part of the Carvoeira fortifications, marking the westernmost point of the Second Defensive Line. Its garrison was composed of militias and orderlies, and the fort was equipped with a signal post, which allowed communication in various directions, including with the British squadron anchored in the Atlantic.

Architectural Features and Defensive Function

The Fort of São Julião da Ericeira is distinguished by its structure, built of earth, with an irregularly shaped plan, intelligently adapted to the terrain's topography. This design reflected its function as a defensive redoubt within the context of the Lines of Torres Vedras.

The fort included four gun embrasures, or openings for the installation of artillery pieces, one of them strategically positioned at the main entrance. These embrasures allowed for a comprehensive firing range, essential for repelling maritime and terrestrial threats, maximizing its surveillance capacity over the coastal surroundings and access routes.

A Legacy Through Time

After its original military use, the fort acquired a new purpose starting in 1891, housing the installations of the Guarda Fiscal (Fiscal Guard). This period demonstrates the fort's adaptability and its continued relevance for the control and security of the territory in the region.

Currently, the Fort of São Julião da Ericeira is recognized as an important historical-cultural landmark. It is part of the Lines of Torres Vedras, which have been classified as a National Monument. Visiting this site offers a unique opportunity to understand Portugal's defense strategies during the Napoleonic invasions and to appreciate a well-preserved example of 19th-century architecture dedicated to territorial defense.

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