Fort of Sacavém, Military fortress in Sacavém, Portugal
Fort of Sacavém is a pentagonal fortress standing on a hill east of Lisbon that overlooks the Trancão and Tagus rivers. The compound is surrounded by reinforced walls and accessed via a concrete bridge leading to a tunnel that opens into the interior.
The fortress was completed in 1892 and formed part of the Campo Entrincheirado, a defensive system protecting Lisbon from potential military threats. This fortification was built when the city was strengthening its eastern boundaries.
The fortress now houses the National Archive of Portugal, holding extensive collections of architectural documents and plans. Visitors can observe how this military site has been transformed into a space preserving the nation's cultural memory.
Entry is via a concrete bridge and tunnel that leads into the interior compound. Visitors should be prepared for varying ground conditions and lighting as they move through the structure.
During labor protests in 1912, the fortress temporarily served as a detention center for strike leaders from the Lisbon region. This episode shows how military infrastructure was repurposed for civilian matters.
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