Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina

The Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina or Forte de Ponta da Mina is a ruined fort located east of the island capital Santo António in the island of Príncipe in São Tomé and Príncipe. It is located at the headland Ponta da Mina.[1] The fortress consisted of two parts: the Bateria Real and the Bateria do Príncipe.[2]

Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina
Ponta da Mina, Príncipe in São Tomé and Príncipe
Entrance to the port of the island of Príncipe (English engraving from 1727), on the left and the mid part, Forte da Ponta da Mina
Santo António da Ponta da Mina is located in Príncipe
Santo António da Ponta da Mina
Santo António da Ponta da Mina
Coordinates1°38′52″N 7°26′16″E / 1.64778°N 7.43778°E / 1.64778; 7.43778
Site information
Controlled byPortuguese Empire
ConditionRuined
Site history
Built1695
EventsSpanish War of Succession

The fort was built in 1695. In 1706, the city of Santo António was invaded by the French during the Spanish War of Succession, destroying the town and its fortress.[3] It was repaired several times, and was finally abandoned in the early 20th century.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Ramerini, Marco (11 January 2014). "The Fortress of Santo António da Ponta da Mina, Principe Island". Colonial Voyage.
  2. ^ Fort of Santo António (Ponta da Mina), Heritage of Portuguese Influence
  3. ^ Santo António, Heritage of Portuguese Influence

Further reading

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  • Matos, Raimundo José da Cunha. Corografia Histórica das Ilhas de S. Tomé, Príncipe, Ano Bom e Fernando Pó (4a. ed.). São Tomé: Imprensa Nacional, 1916.
  • Melo, José Brandão Pereira de. A Fortaleza de Santo António da Ponta da Mina. Lisboa: Agência-Geral do Ultramar 1969. (Coleção Figuras e Feitos de Além-Mar, no. 5) 87p.