Fortress/Fort
Fortress of St. Philip
An unmissable part of the tourist map, the Fortress of St. Philip was once an important stronghold for the defence and control of the city. Despite the lack of agreement among historians concerning the date its construction began, the fortress is dated to the year 1582, when King Philip II visited Setúbal.
The Castle of St. Philip, more frequently referred to as a fort or fortress, played a tactical role in strengthening the line of defence of the Portuguese coast that was attacked by pirates from northern Europe and Africa.
Some of the most stunning panoramic views of the city and the bay can be seen from the walls of this fort.
Temporary opening hours (COVID 19)
Friday + Saturday // 10 am – 8 pm monday – closed
Fort of Saint Mary
Built in 1676 after the Portuguese Restoration War, its mission was to strengthen the defence of the coast between the Santiago de Sesimbra Fort and the Santiago do Outão Fort.
This building houses the Luís Saldanha Oceanographic Museum.
The Fort of Saint Mary is also sometimes referred to as “Our Lady of Arrábida Fort”, “Arrábida Fort” or “Portinho da Arrábida Fort”.
Santiago do Outão Fort
The first reference dates from 1390 in an order from King John I for the construction of a coastal watchtower. However, there is evidence of a Roman temple dedicated to Neptune in the exact same place.
Over time, it has undergone many extension and renovation works.
In the 20th century, after being a prison and a holiday home for the royal family, the fort was offered to Queen Amélia, who set up a sanatorium there to treat tuberculosis. After the decline in cases of tuberculosis, it became the Orthopaedic Hospital of Santiago do Outão, which is still operating today.
