The Fort of Santiago da Barra is a 16th-century fort at the mouth of the Lima in Viana do Castelo, built to defend the port and the river entrance. It later passed under Spanish rule during the union of the crowns of Portugal and Spain, and its walls enclose an older tower.
The fort stands on the riverside, west of the historic centre, facing the river mouth and the sea.
What to see at the Fort of Santiago da Barra
- Walls and bastions: the bastioned walls built to defend the port.
- Older tower: a medieval defensive tower inside the fort, with Manueline details.
- View: the walls look over the mouth of the Lima and the Atlantic.
History of the Fort of Santiago da Barra
- 16th century: the fort is built around an earlier tower to protect the port of Viana.
- Union of the crowns (1580 to 1640): the fort is enlarged under Spanish rule.
Visiting the Fort of Santiago da Barra
- Location: the fort is on the riverside at the west end of the city, near the old commercial dock and the Gil Eannes ship.
Places to visit in Viana do Castelo
Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Viana do Castelo & Santa Luzia
Gil Eannes Ship
Eiffel Bridge of Viana do Castelo
Viana Costume Museum
Fort of Santiago da Barra
History of Viana do Castelo
Visiting Viana do Castelo