Monuments

The Forte de São Vicente is situated on top of one of the highest hills surrounding the valley over which the city of Torres Vedras has gradually spread.

The fort includes an interesting series of ditches, trenches and firing positions, still displaying the same layout as they did during the Napoleonic Wars (1810). It was part of the defensive system known as the "Lines of Torres Vedras", built with the aim of defending Lisbon. At the proposal of General Wellington, the idea was to create a system of fortifications that would reinforce the natural obstacles and, at the same time, keep communications open with the sea in the event of defeat in battle, thus ensuring that the English troops would continue to enjoy a safe line of retreat.

The building of the "Lines of Torres Vedras" began in November 1809. Comprising a series of 152 fortifications placed at high or strategic points, the defensive system was completed in 1812. The Forte de São Vicente was one of the most important points, with 39 cannons and room for 2,000 men. Together with the castle, which contained 11 cannons, this formed one of the town's two strongholds. These were further supported by an enclosed battery close to Varatojo.

The defensive line continued along the left bank of the River Sizandro as far as the sea. At that time, this river was practically uncrossable, because of the swampy nature of the terrain and the various sluices that had been built to hold back the water.

The Lines of Torres Vedras played an important role in the defence of Portugal. Masséna and his army came very close to the Lines, but, after he had seen them in person and realised the difficulties of trying to pass beyond them, he initiated the process of his troops' retreat from the Iberian Peninsula, a movement that was subject to constant harassment by the Portuguese and British forces.