April 26, 2011
Almeida - Entry of Fortification
Description: It is one of the most magnificent fortresses in the country. According to its final version (1747), Almeida fortified square had the configuration of a 12-pointed star, that is to say, a double hexagon with six bastions and some ravelins. It is surrounded by a 12m wide throughout a 2,5 km long perimeter. 5000 men were garrisoned here and the fortress had over one hundred cannon loops of several calibres. It had bombproof facilities – known as “casamatas” (bunkers) – where both the soldiers and the population could find shelter during bombings, as well as underground gunpowder magazines and a duly protected blood hospital. Almeida underwent major sieges in 1762 during the Seven Years’ War, and in 1810 during the 3rd French Invasion. It was in this period that a shot from one of Massena’s soldiers hit one of the square’s gunpowder magazines, situated in the Medieval castle, leading to a violent explosion that destroyed part of the fortress and dictated the defenders’ surrender (on August 25th 1810).
Description: It is one of the most magnificent fortresses in the country. According to its final version (1747), Almeida fortified square had the configuration of a 12-pointed star, that is to say, a double hexagon with six bastions and some ravelins. It is surrounded by a 12m wide throughout a 2,5 km long perimeter. 5000 men were garrisoned here and the fortress had over one hundred cannon loops of several calibres. It had bombproof facilities – known as “casamatas” (bunkers) – where both the soldiers and the population could find shelter during bombings, as well as underground gunpowder magazines and a duly protected blood hospital. Almeida underwent major sieges in 1762 during the Seven Years’ War, and in 1810 during the 3rd French Invasion. It was in this period that a shot from one of Massena’s soldiers hit one of the square’s gunpowder magazines, situated in the Medieval castle, leading to a violent explosion that destroyed part of the fortress and dictated the defenders’ surrender (on August 25th 1810).
References: lifecooler.com - Portugal is cool
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