Forte de São José (Maio)

Forte São José may also refer to a fort in Pontinha in the Madeira Islands

Forte de São José (Portuguese for the Fort of Saint Joseph's or Saint Joseph) is an abandoned fort located in the town of Vila do Maio in the southern part in the south of Maio Island, Cape Verde.

History

The island, being of volcanic origin was discovered on May 1, 1460 which brought the island name Maio. Its first settlement was founded later in the late 16th century after salt was founded northwest of town, land was also used for cattle pasture, predominantly goats and some agriculture.

The fort, named after Saint Joseph was built in the 18th century and used to defend the port and town from pirate and corsair attacks, common in the island at the time.[1]

The fort became as a lighthouse in 1887.[2]

In the 20th century, drought affected the island which most residents emigrated.

Today, the fort are one of the tourist attractions of the town and island along with Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light)

Uses

The fort is used as part of the Académico 83's sports logo.

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "Ilha do Maio" (in Portuguese). Infopédia (Infopedia). 22 April 2012.
  2. ↑ "Lighthouses of Cape Verde". 22 April 2012.

Coordinates: 15°08′02″N 23°12′50″W / 15.134°N 23.214°W / 15.134; -23.214


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