Fort of São João das Maias

Avenida Marginal - 2780 Oeiras

Fort of São João das Maias
Forte de São João das Maias is a 17th century building, initiated in 1644 and finished in 1653, to strengthen the defenses at the entrance of the Tagus river, at a crucial moment: the Restoration of the Independence from Spain, in 1640.

Apart from the military facilities, the fort features a small chapel with decorated tiles from the 18th century.

In 1976, the fort was given to the Social Services of the Armed Forces, to be transformed in a vacation centre.

It can be visited in one of the tourist circuits of the Oeiras City Council, once a month, on a sunday.