The fortress was constructed using stone taken from the ruins of the 16th-century Monastery of the Misericórdia, which had been abandoned due to plague and pirate raids.
During the 1772 siege, the fortress garrison resisted Spanish forces for several days despite being severely outnumbered and undersupplied.
The structure is physically connected to the mainland via a stone bridge that replaced a rudimentary wooden drawbridge used in the 17th century.
The lodging accommodations within the fort do not feature electricity or private bathrooms, relying on shared facilities and external power sources.
The island of Berlenga Grande is a protected nature reserve, meaning the fortress is one of the only human structures allowed on the main island.
The Fortress of St. John the Baptist is a 17th-century defensive fortification situated on a rocky outcrop connected to Berlenga Grande island by a narrow stone bridge. Built in 1651 to defend the Portuguese coast against North African pirates and privateers, the structure incorporates materials salvaged from the nearby abandoned Monastery of the Misericórdia. It currently functions as a seasonal guest house, managed by the Berlengas Nature Reserve. The fortification features granite walls and a series of vaulted chambers that have been converted into spartan lodging rooms for visitors. Access to the fortress requires traversing steep, narrow paths from the island's main harbor area. The site is located within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, requiring strict adherence to environmental protection guidelines. It serves as a base for exploring the surrounding Berlenga archipelago, known for its marine biodiversity and sea caves.
The elevated viewing platform on the fortress ramparts overlooking the stone bridge and the Atlantic Ocean.
Pack a high-quality flashlight as the internal corridors and rooms have minimal natural lighting.
Bring all necessary drinking water and food supplies from the mainland, as there are no grocery stores on the island.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes to navigate the uneven stone paths and steep inclines leading to the fort.
Attempting to visit during winter or stormy weather, as boat transport to the island is frequently suspended due to rough Atlantic swells.
Open strictly during the spring and summer months; closed entirely during the off-season for maintenance and due to harsh weather conditions.
Maintain a quiet volume to protect the island's bird nesting sites; pack out all trash to adhere to strict nature reserve regulations.
