São João Baptista Fort in Berlengas
São João Baptista Fort in Berlengas
The São João Baptista Fort, also known as the Fortaleza das Berlengas, is a military defense equipment that was built by D. João IV in the 17th century, regarding the War of the Restoration of Independence (1640-1656), which started shortly after the Portuguese have put an end to 60 years of Spanish rule in Portuguese territory.
Built in Berlenga Grande, the main island of the Berlengas Archipelago, the São João Baptista Fort worked as a complement to the defensive systems of the Peniche coast, also formed by the Praia da Consolação Fort, in Atouguia da Baleia and the Peniche Fort.
The purpose of this defensive system was to protect Peniche, in the first instance, and the national territory, in a second phase, from maritime attacks.
Different times, different objectives
It was, at the time, one of the main national coastal fortifications with an important role due to its strategic position.
In the 19th century, it played an important role during the Liberal Struggles (1828-1834), being under the control of the Miguelists (absolutists) until it was conquered by the Liberals before they took Peniche, who had also taken sides with the Miguelists.
Shortly after the end of the Liberal Struggles, the Fort of São João Baptista would be dismantled and would have different uses since then.
Like the remaining elements of the defensive ensemble, the Fort of São João Baptista is also classified as a National Monument, in this case since 1938, having undergone restoration works in the middle of the 20th century, when it was adapted to a place of tourist accommodation .
Although it no longer performs the functions for which it was built, it constitutes one of the tourist attractions of Berlengas, in terms of the built heritage, and its visit is mandatory.
The São João Baptista Fort is still one of the three possibilities for those who want to stay overnight in Berlengas, with 20 rooms with very modest conditions.
Reservations and more information about the conditions of the stay are made together with the Associação Amigos da Berlenga.
When you come to visit the Berlengas, be sure to stop by the São João Baptista Fort, you will see that it will be worth it!