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It is a very pleasant stroll up the slope that leads from Ribeira Beach to the citadel. It only takes 3-4 minutes and the walk allows you to look down over the beach, the fishing boat harbour and the marina. It’s well worth doing. Entry to the citadel is free and what you see here are the original heavy-duty defensive walls, a tower and fort. The walls were built between 1410-1415 to protect against potential invasion and attacks. As further insurance, they added the tower of St Anthony in 1488 and the fort of Nossa Senhora de Luz (Our Lady of Light) in 1595. The fort was ordered by King Philip I and was designed by an Italian, Captain Fratino. It’s an unusual and rare design with a triangular shape. This makes quite dramatic and interesting angular shots for photos. In addition to the military defences, there is also a sunny, central courtyard with several outdoor sculptures where you can sit for a coffee. The royal summer palace, added by King Luis I in the 1800s, sits within the walls too but it can only be visited at certain times and with a guide.…
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Date of experience: March 2020
8 Helpful votes
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A nice fortress to take a look around, very multi functional now, but still keeps its history. Well worth a visit.
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Date of experience: November 2019
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+1
The old castle was obviously a large fortification in its day. It is now a multi functional area with a palace, hotel,restaurant and shops. Also home to many great street art sculptures.
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Date of experience: July 2019
28 Helpful votes1 Repost
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It's not really much to see when you have seen so many coastal forts before but it is in Cascais and the walls are high, the views are nice overlooking the marina and it is a piece of history so if you don't have much to do its worth a visit.
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Date of experience: October 2018
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Nice for walking and visit the fortress, nice terrace to take pictures; historic fortress built on a rocky coastal and is from the 17th century; to stroll by good weather.
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Date of experience: April 2018
1 Helpful vote
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