[3] The fortification of the stretch of coastline around Setúbal dates back to the 14th century, with the construction at sea level of the Fort of Santiago do Outão, which was intended to control the Sado river access to the medieval village.

During the reign of King John III in the first half of the 16th century there were plans to expand Setubal’s defences with the construction of a castle, but the financial difficulties faced at that time by the Crown made this impossible.

[1][4] At the time of the Philippine Dynasty (1580-1640), Philip II of Spain ordered the construction of a new fortification on a hill adjacent to the city, to reinforce the defence of Setúbal.

[1][2] The fort was damaged during the 1755 earthquake and the Command House, then the residence of the Governor of Setúbal, was destroyed by fire in the mid-19th century.

The fortress buildings are on an upper platform, and there is also a small baroque chapel with azulejo tiles showing scenes from the life of Saint Philip.