Pinsteps. Fort of Saint Michael the Archangel (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo) in Nazaré, Portugal
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Perched on a dramatic cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Fort of Saint Michael the Archangel (Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo) in Nazaré, Portugal, stands as a silent guardian of the coast. Built in 1577 under the orders of King Sebastian I, the fort was constructed to defend the Portuguese shores from pirate attacks that threatened the region. Its strategic position atop the promontory provided a commanding view of the sea, making it an essential stronghold during the turbulent maritime era.

In 1644, during the reign of King João IV, the fort was expanded and fortified, taking on the robust and modern appearance that still captivates visitors today. Centuries later, in 1903, a lighthouse was added to the structure, ensuring the safety of sailors navigating the wild waters of Nazaré. The lighthouse remains operational, its beam cutting through the Atlantic mist, a timeless symbol of resilience.

The story of the fort is inseparable from the legacy of King Sebastian I, one of Portugal’s most legendary rulers. Born in 1554, Sebastian ascended to the throne in 1557 at the tender age of three following the death of his grandfather, King João III. Raised under the regency of his grandmother, Catherine of Austria, Sebastian grew into a figure defined by religious zeal and a romantic vision of restoring Christian glory. His ambitions culminated in a fateful expedition to Morocco in 1578, where he sought to forge a Christian empire inspired by the ideals of the Reconquista and crusades.

At the Battle of Alcácer Quibir—often referred to as the Battle of the Three Kings—Sebastian’s ill-prepared army was decisively defeated. The young king vanished on the battlefield, his body never recovered. His disappearance plunged Portugal into political turmoil, ending the Aviz dynasty and leading to Spanish rule under King Philip II in 1580.

Despite his tragic fate, Sebastian’s legend endured. He became the mythical “sleeping king” in Portuguese folklore, a figure whose return would rescue the nation in its darkest hour—a belief known as Sebastianism. For centuries, this myth symbolized hope and national renewal, a powerful narrative that still resonates in the Portuguese spirit.

Today, the Fort of Saint Michael has found new life as a symbol of both history and modern adventure. Overlooking Praia do Norte, a beach renowned for its record-breaking waves, it is now a world-famous hub for surfing. This convergence of natural grandeur and cultural heritage feels almost poetic—perhaps, as the Sebastianists once hoped, a kind of revival for Portugal on the global stage. The fort, with its storied walls and lighthouse beam, stands as a testament to resilience, dreams, and the enduring power of history to shape the future.


Pictures uploaded by @Evgeny Praisman
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List of trips including this place
Evgeny Praisman
A Walk Through Nazaré: From Ocean to Legend. Sep 14, 2024

Start your journey at Nazaré’s beach, where the scent of the sea and the bustle of fresh seafood restaurants set the tone. From here, make your way to the historic funicular, a 19th-century marvel connecting the lower town to Sítio, the cliffside district perched high above.

At the top, visit Ermida da Memória, the small chapel tied to the legend of Dom Fuas Roupinho. In 1182, while chasing a deer on horseback, he narrowly avoided plunging off the cliff when he prayed to the Virgin Mary, who miraculously stopped his horse. Nearby, the Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo, built in the 16th century, stands as a guardian over Praia do Norte, where the world’s largest waves draw surfers from across the globe.

On your descent, stroll through the nostalgic streets of Nazaré’s lower town, where tiled facades, narrow alleys, and the rhythm of local life immerse you in the town’s enduring spirit. This walk captures Nazaré’s dual essence: the raw power of the ocean and the intimate charm of its community.

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Evgeny Praisman (author)
Здравствуйте! Меня зовут Женя, я путешественник и гид. Здесь я публикую свои путешествия и путеводители по городам и странам. Вы можете воспользоваться ими, как готовыми путеводителями, так и ресурсом для создания собственных маршрутов. Некоторые находятся в свободном доступе, некоторые открываются по промо коду. Чтобы получить промо код напишите мне сообщение на телефон +972 537907561 или на epraisman@gmail.com и я с радостью вам помогу! Иначе, зачем я всё это делаю?
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