Peniche Fortress, Military fortress and former political prison in Peniche, Portugal
Peniche Fortress is a military installation with a distinctive star shape positioned on a peninsula, divided into upper and lower zones with various structures. The site contains buildings, thick protective walls, galleries documenting resistance history, and preserved prison quarters spanning different periods.
Construction started in 1557 under King João III following military design principles of the era. In the 20th century the fortress became a detention facility for political opponents during the authoritarian period.
The prison held opponents of the authoritarian regime, and visitors can see the cells and interrogation rooms where political detainees were confined during that era. The fortress walls and layout testify to how the space was used to control and isolate prisoners.
Walking through the site is straightforward and guided tours help explain the different sections and their history. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the grounds have uneven surfaces and several staircases.
The fortress provided shelter to South African refugees during the Boer War and later served as an internment camp for German soldiers in World War I. This shifting history shows how the structure took on very different purposes across several decades.
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