Lagarteira Fort or Âncora Fort

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Viana do Castelo > Caminha > Vila Praia de Âncora > Lagarteira

Location

Located in Vila Praia de Âncora, in the municipality of Caminha, district of Viana do Castelo. It is situated next to the mouth of the Âncora River, on a rocky elevation overlooking the beach.

Function

Built to defend the small fishing port and reinforce the security of the region, together with other fortresses on the coast.

Classification

Monument of Public Interest since 1967.

Origin and History

, The area was already occupied before the arrival of the Romans, due to the exploitation of minerals.

, It is said that the name "Âncora" originates from a legend about Queen D. Urraca, who would have been thrown into the river with an anchor around her neck.

, The fort was built in the 17th century, during the reign of D. Pedro II, to reinforce the defense of the Portuguese coast.

Characteristics

, Small maritime fortification with a polygonal star-shaped plan.

, It has four bastions and a battery facing the river.

, The walls are made of stone and have guardhouses in the corners.

, Above the main entrance, there is a stone with the royal arms.

, Inside, there are buildings that served as accommodation for soldiers, with fireplaces and sloping roofs.

, You can still see old artillery pieces in the gunboats.

Interventions and Restorations

, It underwent conservation work in 1955 and was again restored in the 1980s and 1990s to preserve its structure.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_de_Âncora

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