Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela: An Amazing Historical Landmark in Angola
The Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela is a stunning historical landmark located in the city of Benguela in Angola. It is a fortress built in the early 17th century by the Portuguese to protect the city from invaders. The fortress is a great example of the Portuguese colonial architecture and is considered to be one of the most important historical sites in Angola.
History of the Fortress
The Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela was built in 1617 by the Portuguese as a defensive fortification to protect the city from invaders. The Portuguese had been in control of the area since the 16th century and had established a trading post in Benguela in 1587. The fortress was an important strategic point for the Portuguese as it allowed them to control the trade routes in the region.
The fortress was designed by the Portuguese military engineer, Inácio de Sousa, and was built with stone, brick and mortar. It was designed to be a strong defensive structure and was equipped with cannons, bastions and towers. The fortress was also surrounded by a moat to protect it from attacks.
The fortress was in use until the mid-19th century when it was abandoned by the Portuguese. In the late 19th century, the fortress was used as a prison by the Portuguese colonial authorities.
Amazing Facts about the Fortress
The Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela is a stunning example of Portuguese colonial architecture and is considered to be one of the most important historical sites in Angola.
The fortress was designed by the Portuguese military engineer, Inácio de Sousa, and was built with stone, brick and mortar.
The fortress was surrounded by a moat to protect it from attacks.
The fortress was in use until the mid-19th century when it was abandoned by the Portuguese.
In the late 19th century, the fortress was used as a prison by the Portuguese colonial authorities.
Things to Do at the Fortress
The Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela is a great place to visit and explore. Here are some of the things you can do at the fortress:
Explore the fortress: Take a tour of the fortress and explore the walls, bastions, towers and other structures.
Visit the museum: The fortress has a museum that displays artifacts from the fortress’s history.
Go birdwatching: The fortress is home to many species of birds and is a great place for birdwatching.
Go fishing: The moat surrounding the fortress is a great place to go fishing.
Take a boat ride: The moat is also a great place to take a boat ride and explore the area.
Visit the nearby beaches: The fortress is located near some beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy the sun.
Visit the nearby markets: The fortress is located near some markets where you can buy souvenirs and other items.
Visit the nearby restaurants: The fortress is located near some great restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local cuisine.
Conclusion
The Fortress of São Miguel de Benguela is a stunning historical landmark located in the city of Benguela in Angola. It is a fortress built in the early 17th century by the Portuguese to protect the city from invaders. The fortress is a great example of the Portuguese colonial architecture and is considered to be one of the most important historical sites in Angola. Visiting the fortress is a great way to explore the history and culture of Angola and to experience the beauty of the area.