Alagoa Fort (remains) - Work No. 91

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Lisboa > Mafra > Santo Isidoro > Ribamar

Location

Situated in the district of Lisbon, in the municipality of Mafra, more specifically in the locality of Santo Isidoro, in Ribamar, the Forte da Alagoa (remains), Work nº 91 is located in a position that would once have been of considerable strategic importance. Its location offers a glimpse of the surrounding coastal landscape, a scene that combines the tranquility of the natural environment with the memory of a military past.

The remains of this fort are integrated into a natural, sometimes rugged context, characteristic of the coastal area of the 'região saloia'. Although the original structure is no longer intact, the site allows for an appreciation of the terrain's orography and its tactical relevance, offering views over the vastness of the Atlantic and the coastline.

Historical and Defensive Memory

This site dates back to the early 19th century, a period of great instability in Europe and Portugal, when it became crucial to protect the capital from external threats. The Forte da Alagoa was conceived as part of a network of defensive structures, built with a clear purpose: to block the advance of invading forces towards Lisbon. The designation "Work nº 91" places it within a series of fortifications that, together, constituted a vital defensive line.

Its existence testifies to an era when the security of Portuguese territory depended heavily on military response capacity and strategic intelligence in the construction of defenses. These forts were often built quickly, using locally available resources such as earth and stone, adapting to the terrain to maximize their effectiveness.

The Remains and the Landscape

Currently, the Forte da Alagoa presents itself as a set of remains, meaning the ruins and the marks of what was once a defensive structure. Visitors can observe the remnants of its foundations, moats, or earth ramparts, elements that help to imagine its original configuration. Nature, over time, has reclaimed its space, integrating the ruins into the surrounding landscape.

A visit to this site invites contemplation, allowing for reflection on the effort and military ingenuity of a past era. The remains, although fragmented, are a tangible reminder of history and the role these fortifications played in defending national sovereignty. Their presence, even if discreet, adds a layer of historical depth to the natural coastal scenery.

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