Forte de São Filipe — Attraction in Setúbal

16th Century Fort overlooking the sea.

Built by order of Philip I (1527-1598), according to designs by architect Filipe Terzi and, after his death (in 1598?), Francisco Turriano. From the hill overlooking the sea where it was built, this superb military structure completely controls the entrance of the Sado and, at the same time, subdues the city itself, once within reach of its cannons.

It is clear that the St. Philip fortress fulfilled a twofold defensive purpose: while staying alert to the dangers coming from the sea, it attentively watched all movements in the village!

From the sea came the already traditional attacks by North African and French pirates. In addition to those, at that time, there were also attacks by the English and the Dutch, who, at the end of the 16th century, were at war with Spain.

On the other hand, the Spanish occupier, though certain of the support of the Portuguese elites, most likely feared the lower classes, who were against him.

The massive, imposing, unfriendly and threatening bulwarks, the austere entrances and the lairs decisively contribute to reinforcing that vocation of the Philippine fortress. Saint Philip's construction works started in 1582, in the presence of the king himself.

The blueprint of the fortress depicts a six-pointed star, and a sinuous outline, likely due to the rugged terrain where it lays its deep foundations. In the fortress there is also a small Joanine chapel, with a rectangular plan.

The inner walls and vault are completely covered with rich tiling, part of which narrate the life of Saint Philip. On the vault, we can admire the royal coat of arms in an intense Baroque composition.

In the very discreet chancel, with a gilded woodcarving altar, there are small panels with a Marian theme, dating from 1736 and signed by master Policarpo de...

Placed in an elevated location of the Arrábida mountain range, in the city of Setúbal, is the Fort of São Filipe. There we can enjoy an excellent 360 degree panoramic view over the city of Setúbal itself, the estuary of the River Sado and the sea, the Troia peninsula on the other side of the estuary, and the Arrábida mountain.

At the end of October the mountain is covered with green. If you're lucky enough to time your visit with a rainy late afternoon, with small bags of fog climbing the mountain behind while already torn clouds spread troughtout the blue sky with shades of white and gray while reflecting the bright orange color of the late afternoon sun, all of it adds to the atmosphere of the place, and you have a kind of dreamy landscape...

Inside the fort of São Filipe, in addition to what is usual within a fort like the sentinel houses, there is a charming chapel, walls covered with Portuguese tiles whose drawings, painted in that typical blue color, represent religious scenes. In a nearby courtyard, a house encloses a tourist information desk and a small, elegantly decorated bar, but those who prefer can sit in the courtyard enjoying the panoramic view of the river estuary, watching the large ships leaving the port sailing towards the sea, and enjoying, perhaps with friends, a refreshing drink and eating some pastrie and cakes bought from the bar.

For short, it is a very good place to visit or for a short relax, alone or with friends at any...

It offers a good overlooking view of the city of setubal. It offers a historical ambiance and the feel of Setubal City, and it is a good place for photographers for sure. But that is all it can offer really, and nothing more. No other activities.

I was doubtful though if it will be safe for me to stay at night.

I decided to go down just before darkness sets in because there were no indications of any security personnel. There was no indication of any presence of any staff operating the place, and it appears unprepared to serve any customer. It seems that the cafe and the hotel is not in operation anymore.

There were very few people. I was there at around 5 to 6:00 p.m. to catch the golden hour for good photos, and by the time i was about to go down there was no one there. Nobody around so i felt unsafe. I recommend travelers to be with someone and not to go there alone and i cannot comment on how safe it will be if a traveler stays there at night to get good night photos. It would have been interesting to have photos of the city skyline at night. But I did not dare stay longer and went off...