Wednesday, July 15, 2009

São Julião Fort

This fort dates back to 1553 and is considered to be the greatest coastal defense building in Portugal. During the french invasion, Napoleon troops have occupied it in the year of 1807, but british allies conquered it one year later and in 1809 the fortress was again in portuguese hands. It is now the official residence of the Minister of Defense. (Click to enlarge)

24 comments:

B SQUARED said...

Appears as though it would be a good residence for the Minister of the Navy.

Sharon said...

So much history!! Your photos are gorgeous. Not only is that building built to last, but it also has a fabulous view.

Dina said...

A formidable fortress. The Defense Minister's official residence?! Does he actually live there?

That Napoleon really got around. He even invaded Israel.

Dina said...

P.S. Thanks for your advice and encouragement about a second blog.

brattcat said...

Wow. It dates back to 1553? What an amazing residence for the Minister of Defense. So much history has played out there. Perhaps it would help keep things in perspective for him (or her).

Olivier said...

il est beau ce fort, et surtout cela donne un beau panorama

Unknown said...

Dina,
I don't know about this one, but the former Minister of Defense lived there, that's why he was allways so tanned! Lol! The interiors are gorgeous, they even have a swimming pool there.

Kate said...

The fort has strong clean lines, and, yes, a fabulous view!

Time seems to move so fast; I scrolled backwards and was amazed at the number of posts I have recently missed. But, it seemed that I had been visiting regularly Guess I'll have to amend that because I love your posts and commentary that always tells a story.

Tiago Ralha said...

Não me canso de olhar para o forte quando vou surfar a Carcavelos!!! A 1ª foto está muito boa :)

Lois said...

Impressive! It reminds me of the old fort in St. Augustine, Florida.

joo said...

Wonderful place and the sea is so beautiful:)

Bhavesh Chhatbar said...

What a great history, and indeed a wonderful residence to live at!

TV Tower on Sinhagad - Going Inside Clouds

Judy said...

How fortunate to be able to live there! Beautiful!

Lowell said...

Very impressive! And, yes, appropriate for the Minister of Defense...although it does put him in the front of the action, so to speak.

Hopefully de fence will protect the Minister of Defense!

crocrodyl said...

Interesting history! And great shots!

stromsjo said...

The Minister should make sure they raise the flag. Or maybe he's on duty elsewhere?

Same old postcard weather, do you ever get tired of it? ;) Yes, I'm a bit envious but I probably wouldn't stand the heat later on in the summer so just as good to remain here.

Joan Elizabeth said...

I was going to say nice view, horrible house for the Minister but as you informs us the interiors are gorgeous I guess he has a pretty good lifestyle.

We don't give our ministers palatial dwellings. Only the Prime Minister.

Anya said...

Thanks for the history,
lovely words :)
Fantastic pictures !!

Virginia said...

Home Sweet Home, huh? Well guess Ministers of Defense would groove on living in a concrete fort!
V

Mo said...

Rather nice pad. Do you think I could get an invite to dinner?

Dina said...

Wow, does that mean you have been inside?!

Jane Hards Photography said...

This is just so beautiful.

CathM said...

JM, I would so love to see images of the interior. I agree with the comments above... the exterior is impressive and formidable! Great photos, as always... they reveal so much, tell a story :)

Anonymous said...

I always love to visit forts. they are truly amazing :)