Alqueidão Fort

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Lisboa > Sobral de Monte Agraço > Santo Quintino > Alqueidão

Location

Located approximately two kilometers south of Sobral de Monte Agraço, in the parish of Santo Quintino, Forte do Alqueidão rises imposingly at an altitude of 442 meters atop the Serra de Monte Agraço. This elevated position offers an impressive panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, allowing one to glimpse, on days of good visibility, from the distant Serra de Sintra to the Portas do Sol, near Santarém. The fort is situated in a predominantly rural environment, which contributes to its serene and historic atmosphere.

A National Historic Landmark

Also known as Forte Grande, this military structure was one of the pillars of the Lines of Torres Vedras, a vast defensive system erected in the early 19th century under the guidance of the Duke of Wellington. Forte do Alqueidão played a crucial role in the defense of Lisbon against Napoleonic troops, being considered the most significant position of the first defensive line. Its strategic location made it the main command post for the entire Lines of Torres system, with direct visual contact with the Serra do Socorro, facilitating signal communication and coordinating defenses.

The Structure and Its Secrets

This fort features an irregular polygonal plan and was designed to accommodate a sizable military garrison. The site has undergone cleaning and recovery work, which has allowed for an appreciation of its original defensive characteristics, such as the artillery positions, trenches, and moats that reinforced the complex. Recent archaeological excavations have revealed important structures within its interior, including the Governor's House, magazines, and small defensive redoubts. These discoveries add a layer of interest to what can be observed on site, confirming its status as the nerve center of military operations of that era.

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