Forte de Santo António de Belixe, Sagres, Portugal
Posted by: 
Torgut
N 37° 01.617 W 008° 58.903
29S E 501625 N 4097862
This fort was built in the 16th Century, not far from the Southwest corner of Portugal.
Waymark Code: WMF33M
Location: Faro, Portugal
Date Posted: 08/14/2012
Views: 12
The exact date of construction is not known, but in 1587 (the year it was destroyed by Francis Drake) it was already marked in a military map. So it was built during the rule of the king Manuel I or João III.
Its original task was to protect the small nearby village and the fishermen who worked in the tuna fishing.
The current layout was established in 1632, after renovation works commanded by the Castillian king Filipe III who was temporarily the ruler of Portugal by then.
The major earthquake of 1755 caused serious damage and it led to a progressive ruin of the fort.
It was again renovated in the late 50's by Direcção Geral dos Edifícios e Monumentos Nacionais for the commemorations of the 500th Anniversary of Dom Henrique (1960).
Apparently for some time it hosted a luxurious hotel (member of the Portuguese network Pousadas de Portugal) but in the 90's it was shut down due to the threat of the cliff where the fort is built.
It's classified as National Heritage.
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: Before 1580
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Portugal
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: Yes it was
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: Used for defence of a border or land claim.
Current condition: Abandoned, mostly ruins
This site is administered by ----: The city of Vila do Bispo
If admission is charged -: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Open or unrestricted access.
Official or advertised web-page: [Web Link]
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: [Web Link]
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": Not listed
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