Defense and strategy

The Fort of Santiago da Barra, located on the north bank of the mouth of the River Lima, is a unique and historic monument.

Hospital of the seas

Medieval origins

Founded in the 15th century, the fort had the crucial function of defending the anchorage and the town of Viana da Foz, today’s Viana do Castelo. Its dominant position on the right bank of the Lima River bar guaranteed protection from pirates and invaders.

Roqueta Tower and bastions

The Torre da Roqueta, part of the fort, was built around 1502 to protect navigation on the Lima bar. The bastions facing the River Lima were demolished in later campaigns.

Cultural heritage

Property of public interest

The Fort of Santiago da Barra has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1967. It currently houses the headquarters of the Regional Tourism Authority of Porto and Northern Portugal and the Viana do Castelo Hotel and Tourism School.

How to get there

• Latitude: 41.69352
• Longitude: -8.82818

Visit the fort

The Fort of Santiago da Barra is more than stone and history. It is a testimony to the tides and to resilience. Visit, walk the ramparts and feel the Atlantic breeze.

More Info: https://www.geoparquelitoralviana.pt/explorar/forte-de-santiago-da-barra/