Fortaleza de Setúbal

Category: Nature > Protected Area

District: Setúbal > Setúbal > Setúbal > Centro Histórico

Location

The Setúbal Fortress is not an isolated construction, but rather a collection of remains scattered throughout the city's Historic Center. These elements outline the perimeter of the ancient medieval Setúbal. Its layout, with the longest axis parallel to the bank of the Sado Estuary, sinuously adapts to the terrain's topography, revealing the dimension and trace of the old city.

As one walks through the streets of the center, it is possible to encounter parts of these walls, posterns, and gates, integrated into the current urban fabric. Their presence recalls the city's defense over the centuries, inviting an exploration that reveals Setúbal's evolution from medieval times to the present day.

Historical and Architectural Essence

This defensive complex, whose construction spanned between the 14th and 16th centuries, was designed with a clear military function. It consists of robust sections of wall, made of masonry and stonework, which in some places reach considerable thickness.

Visitors can observe various openings in the medieval wall, each with its own characteristics. Notable among these are the Porta do Sol (Sun Gate), with its broken arch, opened in the 16th century to optimize access to the suburbs of the time, and the Porta de São Sebastião (St. Sebastian Gate), recognizable by its basket-handle arch, adorned with projecting voussoirs. There are also the posterns of Cais and João Galo, or das Fontaínhas, both with depressed arches. Although some original towers, such as a quadrangular and a hexagonal one, are today partially integrated into modern buildings, the remains of the Setúbal Fortress allow for an understanding of its imposing original structure.

A Cultural Landmark

Currently, the Setúbal Fortress transcends its initial defensive function. Recognized as a Monument of Public Interest, this architectural complex has assumed a significant role as a historical and cultural landmark of the city. Its existence in the Historic Center of Setúbal offers a unique perspective on the city's past and resilience.

The Fortress is, therefore, a point of interest that invites reflection on history and heritage. It is a testament to Setúbal's urban and military evolution, serving as an element that enriches the experience of those who visit the city, by offering an authentic glimpse into past eras.

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