Audio GuideForte da Cruz
Seaside fortress blending Tuscan revival elegance with historic ramparts, offering panoramic Atlantic views.
Point Of Interest
Estoril, Portugal
As you stand on Praia do Tamariz, Forte da Cruz's silhouette demands attention. Its weathered walls date back to the sixteen hundreds, a time when defending Lisbon was vital for newly independent Portugal.
Originally named Forte da Cruz de Santo António d’Assubida, it was linked to the nearby convent of Santo António. The forts in this coastal chain, with their cannons' crossing fire, deterred enemy ships approaching the capital. This chain spanned from Abano Beach to Caxias, with each fort guarding its coastal slice.
Notice the distinct style of Forte da Cruz. It was initially a military site, but it transformed after being sold at auction in eighteen ninety-four. João Barros purchased it and turned it into a summer residence. The architect Cesar Ianz redesigned it in a Tuscan revival style, blending castle towers with Italian flair and retaining hints of the original fort.
By the early nineteen hundreds, the area was a summer haven for royalty and the wealthy. The Barros family and others played key roles in transforming Estoril and Cascais into destinations of elegance and luxury—a legacy that endures today.
If you visit, you will find views over the Atlantic and the fort's dual history. Even from the outside, Forte da Cruz is a regional postcard, anchoring history amidst a vibrant beach scene.
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