Versão portuguesa aqui.

GPS 38.5180025233627, -8.909391504395519

Built by order of Filipe I (1527-1598), according to the layout of the architects Filipe Terzi and, after his death (1598?), Francisco Turriano. From the hill overlooking the sea where it was built, this superb military structure completely dominates the entrance to the Sado and, at the same time, subdues the city itself, once within reach of its cannons. It can already be seen that the fortress of São Filipe fulfilled a double defensive function: while it remained alert to the dangers posed by the waters, it carefully watched the movements of the village!

From the sea came the now traditional North African and French piracy attacks. This was then joined by attacks by the English and the Dutch, who at the end of the 16th century were at war with Spain. On the other hand, the Spanish occupier, if he had the support of the Portuguese elites for sure, had to fear the popular classes, which were adverse to him.

The massive, imposing, unfriendly and threatening ramparts, the austere entrances and the lairs contribute decisively to reinforce this vocation of the Philippine fortress.

Construction work on São Filipe began in 1582, with the presence of the king himself.

The plan of the fortress draws a six-pointed star, a sinuous path that is not alien to the rugged terrain where it lays deep foundations.

In the fortress there is also a small Joanine chapel, rectangular in plan. The interior walls and the vault are completely lined with rich tiles, part of which narrates the life of São Filipe. On the vault you can admire, in an intense baroque composition, the royal coat of arms. In the chancel, very discreet, with a gilded altar, small panels with a Marian theme stand out, dating from 1736 and signed by the master Policarpo de Oliveira Bernardes.