João Baptista da Foz Fortress, Porto, Portugal

The Fortress San João Baptista da Foz do Douro was built in the late sixteenth century to better protect the coast and the mouth of the Douro River. The monument is occupied today by the Regional Delegation of the Institute of National Defense. It is a fine example of military architecture. The original basic structure was enhanced with more recent bulwarks. The Lawn Tennis Club da Foz is located at the foot of the Fort.

Visits to the Fort are free on weekdays between 9h and 17h30. There are no official guided tours, but if you are part of a large group, it is advisable to contact the Fort ahead of time to ensure that the visit does not disturb its activities.

Castles and fortifications in Portugal

User Reviews

Galina Cuznetov (6 months ago)
There is cat sleeping in front of the fort! Please be kind and give him some food ?

Mike RC (8 months ago)
We didn’t actually visit the Fort, but they have pretty man holes on the street around it.

Ian Wishart (8 months ago)
It might just be the shell of an old fort without a shop, cafe and fancy exhibits;: but it is a great way to see what an old Fort on the Atlantic coast was really like.

Tim Cornish (8 months ago)
Excellent panorama, interesting history

Marko Matić (9 months ago)
Very windy but nice!

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Christian Lauw

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João Baptista da Foz Fortress

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