Fort of Ribas

The Fort of Ribas (Forte das Ribas) is a 19th-century fortification in the municipality of Loures, near the town of Bucelas, north of Lisbon. It is also known as the Redoubt of Ribas and the Redoubt of Freixial Alto. It was one of the works forming the second of the three Lines of Torres Vedras, built to shield the Portuguese capital from a French invasion.

What is the Fort of Ribas?

The fort belongs to the Lines of Torres Vedras, a chain of defences stretching between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Tagus. It was raised in 1809–1810 by Portuguese and British forces during the Peninsular War. Portuguese heritage records list it as Work No. 51 of the second defensive line, at Ribas de Baixo in the parish of Fanhões.

Sources call the site both a "fort" and a "redoubt", but they describe the same structure. Ribas and Freixial Alto are two names for one place.

Why was it built here?

The work sits on top of the Ribas hills and overlooks the Freixial pass. At the time, this pass was the main route between Montachique and Bucelas, so holding it mattered for the defence of Lisbon. From the height, the garrison could watch and cover the approaches to the pass.

What did the fort look like?

It was planned for a garrison of 300 soldiers and an armament of three or four cannon. Builders excavated a limestone platform to carry the fortification. A trench surrounds the whole site and remains a clear feature of the layout.

Did the fort see combat?

No. The Fort of Ribas never saw action. The Lines of Torres Vedras worked chiefly as a deterrent: their presence discouraged the French from attacking Lisbon.

Where is it and how do you find it?

The fort lies at about 38.895° N, 9.162° W, close to Bucelas in the Lisbon District. It makes a good short trip from Lisbon for anyone interested in military history. A visit combines well with other works of the Lines in the area, such as the Fort of Mosqueiro or the Fort of Olheiros.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Fort of Ribas the same as the Redoubt of Freixial Alto? Yes. These are two names for the same structure. It is also called the Redoubt of Ribas.

When was it built? In 1809–1810, during the Peninsular War.

How many soldiers could it hold? It was designed for 300 soldiers and three or four cannon.

Were battles fought here? No. The fort never took part in fighting.

Where exactly is it? At Ribas de Baixo, in the parish of Fanhões, municipality of Loures, near Bucelas.