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fortaleza sao joan baptista

7. Fortress of São João Baptista

The Fortress of São João Baptista is one of the largest and most important fortifications in Portugal. It is located on Monte Brasil, on the outskirts of Angra do Heroísmo, and its walls and bastions are almost entirely intact, making it an exceptional place to understand how the island was defended centuries ago.


It is built from volcanic rock and its layout takes advantage of the natural terrain, from where you'll have spectacular views of the city, the bay, and the Cabras Islets. In addition to the bastions, you'll also find dungeons carved into the rock and the Igreja de São João Baptista, the first commemorative monument to the Restoration of Independence.


Its construction began around 1592 by order of Philip II of Spain and lasted several decades. This fortress played an important role in 1640, when Portugal regained its independence and the island returned to Portuguese control, a key event in the history of the island and the country.


To explore it from the inside, you need to go to the Núcleo de História Militar Manuel Coelho Baptista de Lima, located in the old 17th-century Boa Nova Military Hospital, right next to the fortress. There you'll receive a briefing beforehand and then be able to enter the fortress with a guide. Keep in mind that access is limited to groups of up to 15 people, so it is essential to book in advance by phone or email.


If you prefer to see it only from the outside, you can pass by the fortress while walking the PRC04TER trail on Monte Brasil or through this electric bike tour, with no need to go inside.
 

Visitor information:

  • Starting point: Núcleo de História Militar Manuel Coelho Baptista de Lima.

  • Key details: Free access to the núcleo; guided tour required to enter the fortress; groups of up to 15 people.

  • Núcleo opening hours: Summer (June to September): 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Winter (October to May): 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM.

  • Guided tour hours at the fortress: Wednesday to Sunday (including holidays), from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.

  • Reservations: boanova.info@azores.gov.pt or +351 295 218 383

  • Admission: €5 per person.

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