Overview:

The Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo - Namibe In Angola is a fortress located in the middle of the city of Namibe, Angola. It was built by the Portuguese in 1788, serving as a defensive fortress and as an important link in the coastal defense system of the former Portuguese colonial power. The fortress is square with four bastions at the corners, and is located close to the shore of the harbor. The fort was built from quarried rock and stone and is surrounded by a stone wall, which is still in good condition. The fort is defended by a garrison of up to 300 men, and features several batteries and other fortifications. While the fort has fallen into disrepair due to lack of maintenance, it is still an impressive sight and a reminder of Portugal’s colonial past. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Angola
Prominent Features:

The Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo in Namibe, Angola is a prominent historical landmark located in the city. Built in the 18th century by the Portuguese, it was originally used as a trading post. The fortress is located on a hill overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the few surviving colonial fortresses in Angola. It is built from clay, straw, and mud and is rectangular in shape, with four large towers, two of which are used as lookouts. It is surrounded by a wide moat which was originally filled with water from the nearby Oceano River. The fortress is an important part of the historic center of Namibe and is a popular attraction for tourists. It offers views over the city and the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place to relax and admire the scenery. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Angola.

History:

The Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo, also known as the Fortress of Penedo, is a ruined 17th-century colonial fort in southern Angola. Built by the Portuguese in 1617, the fortress was used as a military and administrative center for the colonial rulers and is today a popular tourist attraction. The fort was constructed to defend the town of Namibe against possible incursions from both native tribes and colonial competitors. Built on a hilltop overlooking the town, it was constructed in the form of a pentagon with three rectangular bastions. Inside the fortress, several buildings were constructed, including a chapel, barracks, weaponry store, and cookhouse. The fortress was designed to be easily defended, with its walls constructed from mud and fortified with stone. The walls were also topped with circular merlons to provide protection from invaders. Over the years, the fort has undergone various repairs and restorations to keep it standing, but it still retains the same basic structure. Today, the fort stands as a reminder of the colonial period in Namibe and serves as an important cultural site in Angola. The Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo is listed as a National Monument by the Government of Angola and is a popular tourist attraction, with visitors able to tour the ruins as well as enjoy panoramic views of Namibe from the fort’s ramparts. Visit one of the famous monuments of Angola with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. Fortress of São Francisco do Penedo is a well-preserved 18th century Portuguese colonial fort located in the Namibe province of Angola. 2. It was built in 1745 as part of a network of fortifications meant to protect the coast from pirates and foreign invasion. 3. The architecture is a combination of Portuguese Baroque and Manueline designs. 4. Inside the fort, there is a church, a powder magazine, barracks as well as a large cistern. 5. The fort has been listed as a national monument since 1966. 6. It is one of the most important historical sites in the province, and has been partially renovated in recent years. 7. São Francisco do Penedo Fortress also serves as a major tourist attraction, offering panoramic views of the countryside and the nearby coastline. One of the historical monuments of Angola, it tells the story of a bygone era