Fortress of S. Miguel
The "S. Miguel" Fortress is located in S. Paulo's old mountain, near the bridge to Luanda Island. It was built by Paulo Dias de Novais, the first Governor of Angola who arrived in Luanda in 1575, and is the country's oldest defensive structure. It is a vast area fortified with fortifications and counterforce, as well as polygonal rubblework edification. The Dutch-occupied Fortress is the target of the first significant offensive in 1641; the battle concludes in 1648 with the surrender and expulsion of the Dutch troops by the Portuguese.
The Fortress of "S. Miguel," like many others, comes to justify the Portuguese belicose presence in Angola, protecting the harbour and the village of Luanda, which stocked merchandise and slaves captured in the interior factories before embarking to the American lands, and providing defense against other colonial powers desirous of exercising hegemony in the region.
This fortress has been preserved completely, with no signs of disintegration. The Army's Central Museum is housed in this minor historical monument. It is in good condition and is owned by the government. Its upkeep and preservation are the responsibility of the Ministries of Defense and Culture.
- Google Rating: 4.3/5
- Phone: +244 924 570 064
- Opening Hours: Daily - 8:30 to 17:30
- Address: Calçada de São Miguel, Luanda, Angola
