Forte de São Sebastião, 16th-century coastal fort in Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
Forte de São Sebastião sits on a hill at the eastern edge of Angra Bay, overlooking the Port of Pipas and the Atlantic Ocean. The stone walls form a compact fortification structure built for military defense.
The fort was built in 1580 under orders from King D. Sebastião and introduced a new approach to maritime defense. Its strategic position above the harbor marked a turning point in regional defense strategy.
The fort displays Italian architectural features designed by Tomaz Benedito de Pesaro and Isidoro de Almeida. Visitors can explore how these design principles shaped the structure's layout and appearance.
The grounds are accessible daily and house a hotel within the Pousadas de Portugal network. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, as the hillside location and stone paths require steady walking.
The fort was connected to São João Baptista Fortress through an integrated defense system that enabled crossfire. This coordination between two structures created an effective protection network for the entire bay.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Centro Histórico de Angra do Heroísmo
773 m
Palácio dos Capitães-Generais
895 m
Palácio Bettencourt
836 m
Igreja da Misericórdia
609 m
Câmara Municipal de Angra do Heroísmo
710 m
Convent of São Francisco
743 m
Cemitério das Âncoras
640 m
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
503 m
Convent of São Francisco
753 m
Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
862 m
Convent of Esperança
930 m
Solar de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios
476 m
Episcopal Palace of Angra do Heroísmo
855 m
Palacete Silveira e Paulo
531 m
Teatro Angrense
960 m
Hospital da Boa Nova
1 km
Customshouse of Angra do Heroísmo
621 m
Casa de Violante do Canto (Angra do Heroísmo)
1 km
Ermida de Santo António da Grota
871 m
Capela de Nossa Senhora da Boa Nova (Angra do Heroísmo)
1 km
Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios (Angra do Heroísmo)
469 m
Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem
320 m
Paço Episcopal de Angra do Heroísmo
854 m
Ermida de Santo Cristo do Cruzeiro
681 m
Tribunal Judicial e Cadeia Comarcã de Angra do Heroísmo
543 m
Praça de Toiros da Ilha Terceira
767 m
Zona Central da Cidade de Angra do Heroísmo
429 m
Paço Episcopal de Angra do Heroísmo
1 kmDiscover 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