Fort of Santa Cruz, Military fort in Velas, São Jorge Island, Portugal
The Fort of Santa Cruz is a pentagonal bastion on São Jorge Island built from local basalt and tuff with thick walls and fortified positions. The structure overlooks Velas Bay and contains original cannons pointed toward the sea.
The fortification was built between 1583 and 1606 as the island's main defense against pirates and privateers sailing the oceans. It was part of a larger network of coastal forts that protected the Portuguese Azores islands.
The fort displays traditional Portuguese military construction with basalt walls that shaped the coastline over centuries. Visitors see original cannons today and explore rooms that once housed soldiers.
The site is reachable by a short walk from central Velas and offers good views of the bay. Visitors should be cautious in rough weather since the hilltop location is exposed to the elements.
From 1882 to 1984 a whaling operation ran in the eastern section of the fort, processing sperm whale oil during the height of the Azores whaling industry. This unexpected industrial use transformed the old fortress temporarily into a factory complex by the sea.
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