Description of the attraction
During the Great Geographical Discoveries, that is, in the period that began in the 15th century and lasted until the 17th century, Sesimbra was an important port city. It is worth noting that for some time the king of Portugal Manuel I lived in this city. This king is known for the fact that during his reign, a ship under the command of Vasco da Gama left Lisbon and went to India, and two years later the sailors returned to Portugal and became the first Europeans that got to India by sea.
The first building of Fort Saniago, which served as the protection of the coast of Portugal, was built in the 16th century, during the reign of King Manuel I. In 1602, the fort was destroyed by the English navy. In the 17th century, Fort Saniagu was restored and this is how we see it today. The fort is also called Forte de Marina or Forte da Praia.
The restoration work was carried out by a native of Holland, military engineer and architect João Cosmander, who was also a Jesuit priest. The defenses designed by João Cosmander are recognized as the finest example of the Dutch school of fortification. The gate of the fort is crowned with a royal shield on which the date of the foundation of the fort is written - 1648.
In 1712, the seat of the regional military administration was located in the northern part of the fort. In the 17th century, there was also a summer residence for the three illegitimate sons of King João V of Portugal. For a time, the fort was even used as a prison. In 1886, the building of the fort was transferred to the disposal of the customs service. In 1977, the fort was listed as a National Monument and today it is a popular tourist destination.
