São Miguel Fortress

Considered one of the most important historical monuments in the Angolan capital, the fortress also stands out for being regarded as the only African fortification where artillery pieces were cast.

Origins and construction

The history of the fortification is linked to the early years of Portuguese presence in Luanda. In 1576, Paulo Dias de Novais founded the town of São Paulo da Assumpção de Loanda and took advantage of the strategic position of São Paulo Hill to establish a defensive structure.

With the increase in the threat of maritime attacks and the need to strengthen the city's defences, new works were carried out throughout the 17th century. In 1634, construction began on a more structured fortification, with a quadrangular layout and bastions.

The Dutch occupation and reconquest

In 1641, Luanda and the fortification were taken by the Dutch West India Company, which remained in the city until 1648. During this period, the fort became known as Fort Aardenburgh.

In August 1648, an expedition commanded by Salvador Correia de Sá e Benevides reconquered Luanda. Following the recovery of the city, the former Morro Fort was given the name São Miguel Fort.

The present-day fortress

Throughout the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortification underwent successive reconstruction and expansion works, progressively acquiring the configuration it has today. The structures added included bastions, batteries, warehouses and a large cistern known as Cova da Onça.

Around 1770, one of the areas of the fortress was adapted for the casting of artillery pieces, an activity that reinforced its military importance.

From the 19th century to the present day

During the 19th century, São Miguel Fortress continued to serve different functions, including as a depot for convicts. In the 20th century, after ceasing to serve military purposes, it became home to the Museum of Angola, established in 1938, and was also classified as a National Monument that same year.

With the beginning of the Colonial War in 1961, the fortress once again assumed military functions. Following Angola's Independence, between 1975 and 1978, it was used by the General Staff of the FAPLA and, from 31 July 1978, became home to the Central Museum of the Armed Forces.

The fortress underwent conservation works and, in 1996, was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

Characteristics

São Miguel Fortress is an example of 17th- and 18th-century military architecture, built in an elevated and strategic position overlooking the former São Paulo Hill.

Its structure features an irregular polygonal layout, with bastions, batteries, walls and interior spaces intended for different military functions. Inside, there are also historical architectural elements, including the former chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and other structures associated with the old fortification.

In the exterior area, there are artillery pieces, military vehicles and aircraft used during different periods of Angola's military history.

Historical heritage of Luanda

More than just a former defensive structure, São Miguel Fortress is an important testimony to the history of Luanda and Angola. Its long military, museum and heritage-related use provides an insight into different periods of the country's history from one of the most significant historical landmarks in the capital.

BOXER, C. R. Salvador de Sá and the Struggle for Brazil and Angola, 1602-1686. 1952.

SANTOS, Nuno. A Fortaleza de São Miguel. Luanda: Instituto de Investigação Científica de Angola, 1967.

Source: https://fortalezas.org/?ct=fortaleza&id_fortaleza=517