Forte de São Francisco de Chaves, 17th-century fort in Santa Maria Maior, Portugal
Forte de Sao Francisco is a 17th-century fortification built on Pedisqueira hill above the Tamega River with four bastions positioned at its corners. The site now operates as a hotel with guest rooms, a swimming pool, and dining facilities.
Construction occurred between 1658 and 1662 under King Afonso VI during the Portuguese Restoration War, designed to defend the region against invasions from Galicia. The structure replaced an earlier Franciscan monastery, marking a shift from religious to military use.
The name reflects the Franciscan monastery that originally occupied this site in the early 16th century before the structure was transformed into a military installation. Visitors can still sense this dual heritage walking through the grounds today.
The site is reached via a path leading uphill to the fortification, offering views across the surrounding landscape as you ascend. Visitors should expect uneven terrain and wear sturdy footwear, particularly if exploring the walls and bastions.
The stone walls were arranged in a distinctive star shape specifically designed to withstand artillery fire, a layout still visible in the fortification's footprint today. This defensive design allowed defenders better angles for returning fire from multiple directions.
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