Diogo de Azambuja

They were sent, along with the necessary stone and other materials, to construct a fortress called São Jorge da Mina at the Gulf of Guinea in the Portuguese Gold Coast colony.

They chose a favourable defensive position for the fort, and construction was practically complete after only 20 days, in spite of resistance from the native population.

Diogo de Azambuja sent the fleet back to Lisbon with word that the mission has been successfully accomplished, and he remained behind as captain of the fortress with a force of 60 soldiers.

Diogo de Azambuja remained attached to the Court and the kings service for many years, in spite of his advancing age and disabled leg.

He was already over the age of 70 in 1506 when Manuel I placed him in charge of building a fortress called Castelo Real at Essaouira, near Safi, in the south of Morocco, to protect Portuguese interests in the area.