Fort of Lagarteira

The fort was probably constructed between 1640 and 1668, during the Restoration Wars to protect the Portuguese coast from Spanish attacks.[1][2] Its structure followed the models established in the era for the construction of fortresses implanted along the Alto Minho area, which was an advance in military defensive fortifications.[1][2] Engineer Bastos Moreira cites 1690 as the date of its construction, under orders of King D. Pedro II.[1]

On 16 November 1939, the fort was ceded to the Ministério da Marinha (Ministry of the Navy).[1]

Work on the fort by the Direcção dos Serviços de Construção e Conservação (Directorate for Construction and Conservation Services) began in 1955.[1]

On 24 January 1967, by decree the fort was mis-classified as structure in the municipality of Viana do Castelo.[1] Then, on 10 March, the diploma was rectified to correct its effective administrative territory in the municipality of Caminha (47 508; DG, Série I, 59).[1]

Work to improve the stability and consolidate the structure was carried-out in the early 1980s, while the spaces were electrified after 1997 to provide illumination to the site.[1]

The fort is located on the right margin of the River Âncora, over a soft cliffside, alongside the port, in an area known as Lagarteira.

Its plan consists of four lateral bastions and accentuated battery, with three of the sides crowned by roof.[1][2] The walls are grounded in the rocky coast, with its extension circled by a curved frame anc crowned by battlement, only interrupted by corner bartizans (crowned by circular roofs over plinths and cannon emplacements along the battery.[1][2] Along the northern bastion is a closed balcony wall (typical of medieval designs) on three canals and with culverts.[1][2] At the centre of the flat facade of the frontispiece is the arched portico surmounted by the coat-of-arms of Portugal and lateral volutes.[1][2]

In the interior, is a small square framed by three constructions covered by rooftile with ramps providing access to adarve and rooftops. The quarter include vaulted ceilings and fireplaces.[1]