Fort of Giribita

The Fort of Giribita (Forte da Giribita) is a small coastal fortress in Oeiras, on the right bank of the Tagus estuary, a short distance west of central Lisbon. It is also called the Fort of Our Lady of Porto Salvo (Forte de Nossa Senhora de Porto Salvo) and the Fort of Ponta do Guincho. It stands on a rocky headland and still reads as what it was built to be: one link in the defence of the sea approach to the capital.

Why does it have so many names?

The position began as the Battery of Guincho. It was later named after a nearby chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Porto Salvo. The name Giribita came into use from the late 1800s, taken from the aristocratic residences that grew up around it.

What is its history?

The fort took its present form during the Restoration War (1640-1668), when Portugal fought to regain independence. The rebuilding was driven by António Luís de Menezes, 3rd Count of Cantanhede, and work was finished in 1649 under King John IV, a date confirmed by an inscription on the gate bearing the royal arms. It belonged to the chain of defences that stretched from Cabo da Roca on the Atlantic to Belém Tower, and it could trade crossfire with the Fort of São Bruno to the east. Together with the Fort of São Julião da Barra, it strengthened the defence of the Tagus mouth.

Its armament stayed modest. In 1735 it had two working 24-calibre guns and five unusable ones; by 1793 it held seven iron 18-calibre pieces. During the Liberal Wars a garrison of artillerymen and infantry was stationed here, and by 1824 only two guns remained. Repairs were carried out in 1873-1874. From 1877 it came under the Lisbon Defence Commission and served as a depot for torpedo equipment. After the Second World War it passed to the Ministry of Finance, and following the Carnation Revolution it was transferred to the Portuguese Navy.

What can you see?

The fort is Baroque in character, with an irregular pentagonal plan fitted to the rocky ground and stepped across different levels. The eye goes first to the monumental gateway, with its straight lintel, stone framing and a plaque carrying the date 1649 and the royal arms. Two round guard turrets with small domes stand linked by a wall, and six embrasures face the water. Inside is a service building with four rooms.

Planning a visit

The fort sits in the Paço de Arcos area of the municipality of Oeiras (coordinates 38.6974 N, 9.2825 W). It is listed in the SIPA heritage register and is in good condition. Because it remains tied to state institutions, check beforehand whether the interior is open. Even from outside, the silhouette and the view over the estuary make it a rewarding stop on a walk along the coast between Oeiras and Lisbon.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Fort of Giribita built? Work was completed in 1649, during the Restoration War.

Why does it have several names? It began as the Battery of Guincho, was later named after the nearby Porto Salvo chapel, and from the late 1800s took the name Giribita from neighbouring residences.

What was it used for? It guarded the mouth of the Tagus and the approaches to Lisbon, working alongside other forts including São Bruno and São Julião da Barra.

Where is it? In the municipality of Oeiras, Lisbon District, Portugal, on a rocky headland above the Tagus.