Picoto Fort

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Loures > Bucelas > Casal do Pereiro

Location

This fort is located in the area of Casal do Pereiro, an area that belongs to the locality of Bucelas, in the municipality of Loures. Built at an altitude of 255 meters, its strategic position offers a wide perspective over the rural surroundings and the natural landscape. Situated to the right of the Freixal gorge, the fort played a crucial defensive role, marking the terrain with its historical and robust presence.

Military Legacy of the 19th Century

Built in the early 19th century, Forte do Picoto is one of the fundamental pieces that make up the 2nd Line of Defense of the famous Lines of Torres Vedras. This vast defensive system was erected by order of General Wellesley, with the purpose of protecting Lisbon during the Napoleonic Invasions. The fort was designed to accommodate a significant garrison of soldiers and artillery, demonstrating its importance in the military strategy of the time.

Defensive Architecture

The structure of Forte do Picoto stands out for its functional military architecture. It features a roughly pentagonal layout, characteristic of the bastioned redoubts of that period. Its walls, built on a talus for greater resistance, were provided with specific openings, the embrasures, intended for the placement of artillery pieces. The robustness of its walls reflects the ingenuity and urgency of its construction in the face of imminent threat.

Point of Historical Contemplation

Currently, Forte do Picoto remains a notable historical and cultural landmark, inviting a moment of pause and reflection. It is a place that allows visitors to connect with Portuguese military history and imagine the times when its defensive function was vital. Its elevation provides a tranquil environment, ideal for contemplating the surrounding landscape and appreciating the union between the heritage and nature of Bucelas.

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