During this event we'll get to know the Fortress of S. Julião da Barra “inside out” through a guided tour and we'll also take the rest of the morning for a walk along Praia da Torre, the Marina and the Oeiras seafront promenade.

Fortress of São Julião da Barra:

Built in a strategic location overlooking the entrance to Barra, São Julião is one of the most important military constructions in the country. Although it's not possible to pinpoint the time when work began on the São Julião Fortress, opinions are divided between the years 1553 and 1556, and the paternity of the design is attributed to Miguel de Arruda, one of the most famous architects of the time.

The most famous soldiers and engineers in the service of the kingdom, such as Leonardo Turriano and Captain Fratino, took part in its construction. Starting from a small nucleus, this fortification was modified, enlarged and adapted to the new requirements that arose over the years.

Like other fortifications, São Julião da Barra also served as a military and political prison. The case of General Gomes Freire de Andrade, who was imprisoned in São Julião da Barra and executed in the grounds next to the fortification, was famous.

On 22 August 1951, it lost its military function in order to take on new functions of state and host political events. In 1951, General Eisenhower and the following year Marshal Montgomery, among others, were installed here.

Of particular note are the terraces, the domed casemates and the cistern, where cultural events are held regularly.