Fortress of Santa Maria

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Malveira > Malveira e São Miguel de Alcainça

Location

The Fort of Santa Maria stands in the parish of Malveira and São Miguel de Alcainça, in the municipality of Mafra, specifically located on the Outeiro de Santa Maria. Situated at an altitude of 367 meters, this location offers a predominantly rural setting, providing unobstructed views over the surrounding landscape, a characteristic aspect of the Mafra region.

Historical Memory

This fort, whose construction dates back to the 19th century, is an integral element of the Second Line of Defence of the Torres Vedras Lines. Its existence is intrinsically linked to the defence of Lisbon against the French invasions, led by Napoleon, in the early 19th century. It was built under the orders of General Wellesley, and in 1810, it officially received the name Santa Maria, attributed by Major Brandão de Sousa. Its primary function was to house a military garrison, which could rise to 270 soldiers, composed of local militias and ordinaries armed with Baker carbines and Brown Bess muskets, integrating the Lecor Division.

A Cultural Landmark

After its initial defensive role, the Fort of Santa Maria was reclassified, remaining today as a significant historical-cultural landmark. Its preservation and integration into the Torres Vedras Lines, a set of military fortifications of great relevance, invite reflection on a crucial period in Portugal's history. A visit to this site allows for an understanding of the defensive strategy of the time and the collective effort involved in protecting national territory.

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