Fort São Sebastião

Fort São Sebastião, locally known as Forte de São Sebastião, lies in the village of Castro Marim, in the Algarve region in Portugal.

Castro Marim is a peculiar village; it is situated between two hilltops and on each of the hilltops stands a robust fortification; Castro Marim Castle and Fort São Sebastião. The border with Spain; the Guadiana river, is just 2 kilometers to the east.

Already in 1242 Castro Marim Castle was situated on the northern hilltop.

In 1641 King John IV ordered the construction of Fort São Sebastião on the southern hilltop. At that time, Castro Marim Castle was being reconstructed again, and the two bulwarks were connected with walls that also enclosed the village between them. The fort was completed in 1658.

Restoration of the fort took place in the last decade.

Fort São Sebastião can be visited for free, but only in groups and on prior appointment. This is a nice example of border fortification architecture over the centuries.

Gallery

The fort in 2004, before restoration.