Audio GuideForte da Cruz
A seaside fortress that combines Tuscan Revival elegance with historic ramparts, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic.
Point of Interest
Estoril, Portugal
As you stand on Praia do Tamariz, the silhouette of Forte da Cruz commands attention. Its timeworn walls date back to the seventeen hundreds, an era when safeguarding Lisbon was crucial for the newly independent Portugal.
Originally named Forte da Cruz de Santo António d’Assubida, it was associated with the nearby convent of Santo António. The forts along this coastal chain, with their crossed cannon fire, served as a deterrent to enemy ships approaching the capital. This chain stretched from Abano Beach to Caxias, with each fort diligently guarding its specific section of coastline.
Take note of the unique style of Forte da Cruz. Initially a military installation, it was sold at auction in eighteen ninety-four, marking a change of purpose. João Barros acquired it and converted it into a summer residence. Architect Cesar Ianz remodelled it in the Tuscan revival style. He merged castle-like towers with an Italian influence, while preserving elements of the original fort.
By the beginning of the twentieth century, the area had become a summer retreat for royalty and the affluent. The Barros family, alongside others, were instrumental in establishing Estoril and Cascais as places of sophistication and luxury—a tradition that continues to this day.
Visitors can enjoy views over the Atlantic and appreciate the fort’s dual history. Even from the outside, Forte da Cruz stands as a regional landmark, blending historical significance with the lively atmosphere of the beach.
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