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This fortress built under the Spanish Rule, the Fortaleza de S. João Baptista
(S. Filipe, during the occupation) is the most outstanding building of the
defensive ensemble meant to protect the coastline of the Third Order and the
merchant fleet from the attacks of corsairs and pirates. Almost 5 Km of
fortified walls surround the peninsula of Monte Brasil.
Dating from the 16th century, the Castle contains an independent citadel,
protected by means of a system of ditches excavated in a criss-cross pattern
around its Porta de Armas. In the inside, the Palácio dos Governadores
and the chapel of Sta. Catarina de Sena have remained almost unaltered
from the withdrawal of the Spanish. Near it, the robust plan of the Church of S.
João Baptista, of military style, can be seen; it was the first
monument built to commemorate the Restoration.
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