Capela e Forte de São Vicente, Military fortress in Santa Maria, Portugal
Forte de São Vicente is a military fortress in Santa Maria with an integrated chapel positioned on elevated terrain overlooking the Portuguese coast. The fortification combines religious and military architectural elements at a strategically important location.
The fortress was built in 1809 under Duke of Wellington's command as part of the Lines of Torres Vedras during the Peninsular War. This defensive belt was a key strategy during the Napoleonic conflicts in Portugal.
The chapel within the fortress served both soldiers and local people for worship and community gatherings. This blend of military and spiritual purposes shaped daily life at the site.
The site sits on elevated terrain, so expect a gradual slope and uneven ground as you walk around. Sturdy footwear is recommended to explore the fortifications comfortably.
The fortress was part of a larger defensive system with multiple connected forts that together formed an imposing barrier. This coordinated arrangement demonstrates a sophisticated military strategy for protecting the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Lines of Torres Vedras
27 m
Castelo de Torres Vedras
791 m
Leonel Trindade Municipal Museum
1.3 km
Fort of Olheiros
491 m
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo (Torres Vedras)
831 m
Igreja de Santiago
1.1 km
Paços - Galeria Municipal de Torres Vedras
994 m
Leonel Trindade Municipal Museum
1.3 km
Forte de São Vicente
155 m
Statue of São Gonçalo de Lagos
567 m
Tribunal Judicial de Torres Vedras
1.2 km
Teatro-Cine de Torres Vedras
1.2 km
Casa Jaime Umbelino
1.2 km
Câmara Municipal de Torres Vedras
1.3 km
Monumento ao Exército Luso-Britânico nas Campanhas da Guerra Peninsular
1.3 km
Igreja da Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Torres Vedras
1.2 km
Monumento aos Torrienses Mortos na Guerra do Ultramar
1.3 km
Chafariz dos Paços do Concelho
1 km
Museu Municipal Leonel Trindade de Torres Vedras
1.3 km
Fábrica das Histórias – Casa Jaime Umbelino
1.2 km
Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Ameal
512 m
Centro de Interpretação das Linhas de Torres Vedras
189 m
Centro de Artes e Criatividade
548 m
Núcleo urbano da cidade de Torres Vedras
884 m
Centro de Interpretação da Comunidade Judaica
910 m
Jardim da Graça
1.3 km
Capela de São Vicente
189 m
Antigos Paços do Concelho de Torres Vedras
995 mDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes