Forte de São João do Arade - Ferragudo, Portugal
Posted by: 
manchanegra
N 37° 07.159 W 008° 31.374
29S E 542384 N 4108215
The Fort of São João do Arade is located in the Algarve in the town and civil parish of Ferragudo, in the municipality of Lagoa, in Portugal.
Together with the Forte de Santa Catarina, in front, the fort defends the estuary and the river itself.
Waymark Code: WMC4MZ
Location: Faro, Portugal
Date Posted: 07/25/2011
Views: 12
Situated in a dominant position at the mouth of the Rio Arade, the elevated site divides two beaches: the Praia da Angrinha and the Praia Grande. Together with the Forte de Santa Catarina, on the water front of Portimão, the fort defends the estuary and the river itself.
The first fortification on the site consisted of a watch tower erected in the reign of King John II of Portugal (1481-1495). Later, when the settlement of Ferragudo was established (1520), it is believed that it was encircled with a defensive wall, built on top of the ruins of older ones dated from the time of the watch tower.
According to a report of Alexandre Massai, the battlements already existed in 1621, since he refers to “um sítio cercado chamado Ferragudo” (“a walled site called Ferragudo”) (Description of the Algarve Kingdom..., 1621).
About 1643, with a view to defending the estuary even before the settlement existed, an artillery bulwark was erected downstream on a rocky height. The effect of the elements (the sea and time), and especially a violent storm in 1669, caused severe damage to the bulwark.
After repairs the fortifications were inspected in 1754 by the Governor of the Kingdom of the Algarve, D. Rodrigo António de Noronha e Meneses, and they were considered to be in perfect condition. At that time there were two batteries of artillery:
-the “Lower Battery” with three pieces of artillery;
-the “Upper Battery” with four pieces.
In the following year there was severe damage from the 1755 Earthquake, even to the foundations. In 1765 a new inspection reported that since all of its buildings were in ruins, 80 mil-reis were spent for reconstruction.
After the Concession (or Convention) of Évora Monte, the fort fell into disuse and was declassified in 1896. Later it was sold at a public auction for de 600 mil-reis.
At the beginning of the twentieth century, as a private estate, the poet Coelho Carvalho undertook extensive renovations to create a residence reflecting his personal taste. Still in private hands now is the property of the Pereira Coutinho Family.
It has been classified as a historic building by the Instituto Português do Património Arquitectónico (IPPAR) since 1975.
The site is well preserved, with a large walled garden stretching from Praia da Angrinha to Praia Grande. It includes a large residence.
Text from Wikipedia
The coordinates are from the beach outside the fort by th river. The main entrance is located here N 37° 07.195 W 008° 31.234
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1495
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"?: For protecting a travel or shipping route
Current condition: Good
This site is administered by ----: Private - Pereira Coutinho Family
If admission is charged -: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Restricted or by appointment only.
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": [Web Link]
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: [Web Link]
Official or advertised web-page: Not listed
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