Forte de Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Forte de Nossa Senhora da Piedade is a small coastal fort in Ericeira, a Portuguese fishing town on the coast north of Lisbon. It stands above the Atlantic close to the fishing harbour and the Praia dos Pescadores beach, and its position (around 38.965 N, 9.419 W) explains why it was built. It is also known as Forte de Nossa Senhora da Natividade, and heritage records list it as a former Guarda Fiscal (fiscal guard) post.

When and why was the fort built?

The fort was raised in 1706 during the reign of King Peter II. Its job was to defend the fishing port and the neighbouring Praia dos Pescadores, the beach from which local families had long launched their boats. Ericeira lived from the sea, so protecting its landing place from attack by water mattered to the whole settlement.

What happened to it after construction?

The fort declined in the early 19th century. By 1821 it had been abandoned and was in poor condition, a consequence of the Peninsular War. An inspection report from 1823 noted that the southern side had partly collapsed and that the two wheels used for repairing artillery were ruined. Even so, in 1824 it had a garrison: a sergeant and five soldiers of the 6th Company of Veterans. In 1831 the bronze 12-calibre guns were replaced. Another setback came in 1886, when part of the supporting wall gave way.

What does it look like today?

The building has an irregular, roughly "U"-shaped plan, with staggered volumes topped by a terrace roof. It is a low, compact structure fitted to the rocky shoreline. The terrace works well as a viewpoint over the ocean and the harbour area.

In the 20th century the fort was given a new life. After a recovery campaign by Ericeira's Tourism Board and the Mafra municipal council, it was opened to the public in 1976. Today it is an easy stop to combine with a stroll around Ericeira.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Forte de Nossa Senhora da Piedade? In Ericeira, in the municipality of Mafra, Portugal, on the coast near the fishing harbour and Praia dos Pescadores.

When was the fort built? In 1706, under King Peter II.

Can visitors go in? Yes, since 1976, when it was reopened to the public after restoration. Check opening hours locally before you go.

What was it used for? It defended the fishing port and Praia dos Pescadores, and later also served as a fiscal guard post.

What is its layout? An irregular "U" shape with a terrace roof.