Fort of Saint John the Baptist of Foz

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Foz do Douro

Location

The Fort of São João Baptista da Foz majestically rises at the mouth of the Douro River, in the city of Porto, precisely where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic position, on an ancient rocky point that was once part of a sandy area, provides it with a comprehensive view over the river bar and the vast immensity of the sea. This location offers an environment where military history merges with the natural beauty of the coastal landscape, allowing visitors to observe the dynamics of the Douro estuary and the oceanic horizon.

Memories of Other Times

The history of the Fort of São João Baptista da Foz is profound and multifaceted, dating back to medieval structures that included a 9th-century hermitage and vestiges of an 11th-century cemetery. In the 16th century, the area hosted one of the first manifestations of Renaissance architecture in Northern Portugal, with the construction of a church and an abbatial residence, designed by the Italian architect Francesco de Cremona by order of D. Miguel da Silva, Bishop of Viseu. The transformation into a military fortress began in 1570, during the reign of D. Sebastião, in response to the need to protect Porto's river entrance. Subsequently, in the 17th century, facing new military demands, the fort underwent significant renovation and expansion, converting into an imposing defense.

From Military Bastion to Stage of Lives

Over the centuries, the Fort of São João Baptista da Foz adapted to different roles. It lost its exclusively defensive function with the evolution of artillery, transforming into a prison for notable figures, such as the Jesuits detained in 1759 and, later, political and liberal prisoners. However, its historical relevance did not wane. In 1808, it witnessed an act of resistance against the Napoleonic occupation, being the first place where the Portuguese flag was hoisted after the invasion. Years later, during the Siege of Porto (1832-1833), it served as a crucial point for the landing of supplies. A more recent curiosity from the 20th century reveals that the famous Portuguese poetess Florbela Espanca resided in the fort in 1921, accompanying her husband, an officer of the garrison. Currently, the fort is classified as a Public Interest Property and houses the National Defense Institute.

Architectural Details and Views

The fort's structure features an irregular plan, adapted to the terrain, with bastions and a half-bastion that allowed for the concentration of artillery fire, particularly from the land side. Its neoclassical-style entrance portal, built in 1796 by Engineer Reinaldo Oudinot, with its drawbridge and entrance corridor, stands out. Inside, it is still possible to glimpse the remains of the old Renaissance church and other 16th-century constructions, such as the parade ground, which was once the church's nave. A unique element is the sundial from the 17th century, present in one of the bastions, dated 1651. From the top of its walls, the views over the Douro estuary, the city of Porto, and the Atlantic are expansive, inviting a contemplative pause over a scenario of great beauty and historical significance.

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