Overview:

is a fortress located in the city of Luanda in Angola which were originally built by the Portuguese in the late eighteenth century. The fortress was designed by French military engineer colonel Jean-Baptiste Keüssener and was used to defend Luanda from British and Dutch forces. It is now a tourism site and has some interesting features, including an old church, a museum, and a series of tunnels beneath the fort. It is a popular tourist attraction in Luanda and is also known as the 'Fortress of Angels'. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

1. Constructed using bricks and limestone 2. Has two levels with eight corner turrets and a terrace around it 3. Built in 1576 by Portuguese colonists on the eastern end of the city 4. One of the best surviving examples of 16th century Portuguese military architecture 5. Used to protect the entrance to the port and to house an armory and ammunition storage 6. Was used to house commodities and houses slaves 7. Became a national monument in 1991 and museum of military history in 2012 8. Hosts art exhibitions and other cultural events 9. Its walls are decorated with civic symbols and the coat of arms of Portugal 10. A religious monument in the form of a Marian altar was built inside the fort in 2001 You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Fortaleza de São Miguel, also known as Fort São Miguel, was built in 1576 by the Portuguese explorer Paulo Dias de Novais on the banks of the River Zaire (now the Congo River) in present-day Luanda, Angola. The construction of the fort was part of the Portuguese colonization of Angola, and was meant to protect the nascent Portuguese settlement from foreign powers. The fort was originally made of mud walls and wood, but in 1782 the Portuguese government ordered it to be rebuilt in stone in order to better defend against possible attack. The fort was one of the most important Portuguese strongholds in the region, and served as a key element in defending the port city of Luanda and its surrounding settlements from attack. It was also used to train Portuguese soldiers and to provide refuge for Portuguese settlers in times of danger. In 1891, the fort was seized by the Portuguese military in response to a conflict between locals and the government forces. The garrison held out for more than 20 days and quickly became a symbol of Portuguese tenacity. In 1895, the fort was once again taken by Portuguese forces, and it remained in their hands until independence in 1975. In 1990, the fort was made a protected national monument in recognition of its important role in Angola’s history. It has since served as a reminder of the country’s colonial past and as a meeting place for locals to discuss politics and current events. Today, the Fortaleza de São Miguel is a popular tourist destination and serves as a reminder of Angola’s rich and tumultuous past. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Fortaleza de São Miguel, also known as São Miguel Fort, is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Luanda, Angola. 2. Built by the Portuguese in 1576, it was the residence of the Portuguese viceroy in Luanda until 1641. 3. During Angola’s War of Independence, the Fortress was the scene of some of the country’s bloodiest battles. 4. Today, the Fortress has been carefully restored and is open for guided tours. 5. The fort is particularly known for its elaborate gateway which is said to be one of the most beautiful in Africa. 6. Notable features include a drawbridge, towers, a chapel and an old clock tower. 7. The Fort also houses a small museum which displays a collection of antique weapons, armours and other artifacts from the colonial period. 8. It is listed as a National Monument in Angola and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era