Consolação Beach Fort, Peniche

Consolação Beach Fort, also known as the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Consolação, was built during the Portuguese Restoration War (1640-1656), when Portugal was defending itself against attempts to restore Spanish rule over Portuguese territory (1580-1640).

The fort was built on the initiative of the 6th Count of Atouguia, D. Jerónimo de Ataíde, between 1641 and 1645, shortly after Portugal regained its independence, to reinforce the defence of the Peniche stronghold.

This defensive system had three strategic positions: the Berlengas with the São João Baptista Fort, Peniche with Peniche Fort, and Atouguia da Baleia with the Consolação Beach Fort. It was one of the country’s main coastal fortifications at the time.

Consolação Beach Fort was remodelled over the centuries, and in 1947 a holiday camp was set up there, taking advantage of the fact that it was no longer used for military purposes.

Later, in 1974, the Forte Clube da Consolação recreational association moved in, in an effort to bring new life to the building.

In 1978, Consolação Beach Fort was classified as a National Monument, placing it among the select group of heritage sites whose historical, artistic or social legacy deserves this distinction and makes them genuine tourist attractions.

Located on Consolação beach, in the parish of Atouguia da Baleia, the fort is part of a group of heritage sites in this parish that is well worth visiting, including the ruins of the Castle, the Cruise, several churches and the Pillory, important witnesses to the past of Atouguia da Baleia, which was the seat of the municipality before Peniche grew to become the main town in the area.