Fort of São Francisco do Queijo

Fort of São Francisco do Queijo (Forte de São Francisco Xavier), better known as Castelo do Queijo, is a coastal fortress in the Nevogilde parish of Porto. It sits on a rocky outcrop where the city meets the Atlantic, close to the mouth of the Douro.

Why is it called the "Cheese Castle"?

"Castelo do Queijo" literally means cheese castle. The fort stands on a small, rounded rock that looks like a wheel of cheese, and the nickname stuck. The official dedication to Saint Francis Xavier is used far less than the popular name.

When and why was it built?

The fort dates from the 17th century, around 1661–1662, during the Portuguese Restoration War, when the country was fighting to keep its independence from Spain. It was meant to protect the coast and Porto's harbour, and North African pirates are also cited as a threat it guarded against. The design is credited to the French military engineer Michel de l'Ècole, with construction directed by Fernando César de Carvalhais Negreiros.

What does the fortress look like?

It is a compact, sturdy defensive work. Thick ramparts surround it, and a moat runs around the walls with watch-boxes at the corners. Inside are the governor's residence and a chapel. Its plain, solid outline is easy to spot from the beach and the seafront promenade.

What can you see today?

The fort has been restored and is open to visitors. It is looked after by the Association of Commandos (Northern Delegation), which runs a historical-military museum inside. A visit combines naturally with a seaside walk, since the fortress stands right by Castelo do Queijo beach and the promenade that leads toward Foz do Douro.

Getting there

The fort lies on the north-western edge of Porto, at about 41.169° N, 8.690° W, near the border with Matosinhos. From the centre, take a city bus or tram and taxi toward Foz, then walk the last stretch along the waterfront.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Castelo do Queijo? After the shape of the rock it stands on, which resembles a wheel of cheese. "Queijo" is Portuguese for cheese.

When was the fort built? In the 17th century, around 1661–1662, during the Portuguese Restoration War.

Can you go inside? Yes. The fortress is restored and open to visitors, with a historical-military museum inside. Check opening hours and ticket prices before you go.

What is inside? The governor's residence, a chapel and the museum exhibition, all enclosed by a moat with corner watch-boxes.

Where is it? In Porto's Nevogilde parish, on the Atlantic coast near the mouth of the Douro.