Site of Day: Fort of São João Baptista

Hello everyone, today its time for Portugal!!!!!!!
"This is a gorgeous place in the world"

Fort of São João Baptista

The fort of São João Baptista it's a hidden gem in Berlengas Islands of Portugal, the Berlengas is an archipelago, one that sits slightly Northwest of the coastal town of Peniche. The Berlengas Islands are a chain of islands off the coast of Portugal: are a rugged beauty, manmade architecture and raw nature; the Berlengas are one large island surrounded by several smaller ones and ragged rochks jutting out of the Atlantic. They are fairly unheard of beyond Portugal. The fortification belonged to a group of defensive military structures meant to protect the municipality located on the coast.

General view of fort

History of Fort of São João Baptista

King Manuel of Portugal ordered the construction of a fortress on Berlenga Grander in 1502, which was immediately rectified under the reign of King Sebastian of Portugal. The fort, was constructed from the remains of a pre-existing monastery(Monastery of the Misericordia da Berlenga) which had previously been abandoned. Hieronymite monks had in the early 16th century, decided that the Berlengas were well situated to provide aid for seafearing people in need of shelter.

Hieronymite monks by Carlos Fernandez del Castillo.

The islands isolation also provided ideal conditions for the monks to live in austerity through solitude and silence, assiduous prayer and healthy penance. But, the monks became victims of frequent attacks by Algerian, Moroccan, English, and French pirates and privateers. Further, violent weather often cut-off communication to the mainland, which was especially distressing during pirate incursions, as result the Monastery was abandoned.

It was only during the middle of 17th century that construction began, under  the administration of John IV of Portugal, after the visit of Joao Rodriguez de Sá to the island, who, accompanied by a military engineer determined the plan to follow in its construction(in 1651). Originally during the Portuguese Restoration War, the Counsel of War had determined that a better coastal defense was needed, and had ordered the demolition of the monastery ruins to build the fort. By 1666 construction of the fort had proceed under the direction of engineer Mateus do Couto, for which the final design was creditted. That year the Fort of the Berlenga was instrumental in stopping the attack by a Spanish fleet, which was sent to kidnap Queen Maria Francisca of Savoy, on her arrival in Portugal, when she was to married to King Afonso VI of Portugal. 

View of the fort from sea

After this attack, the king ordered the repair of the fortress, increasing the firepower of its defenses. following its destruction by Spanish corsairs in 1666, it was finally completed in 1678 under the command of General Marquess da Fronteira.

Getting to Berlenga

The only way is by boat. The journey can take around 45 minutes, and the sea can be rough. Don't eat prior to sailing over if you're sea sick. You can opt to either go for the day, or stay for one night or more. you will need to book adead if you intend to spend a few days there. 

Where to stay? check this link: http://goo.gl/v3d1hj it's in portuguese, but it was translated.

Inside of the fort.

What to do?

There are several beaches around the main island, but only one is usable. In a beautiful little cove with white sand and turquoise water, you can swim and lounge in the sun.

Berlenga beach

You can alos snorkel fairly far out, until you hit a boat territory. There is also a public diving board. this beach is reached by a little walkway leading from the little cluster of buildings around the isalnd's main dock, you can take boat tours around the caves on the south side of the island for a few euros.

Berlenga's Caves

This Island is amazing and has many activities for enjoy!!!!

For more information visit this blog.

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