Open-air visit circuit made up of various works and military roads dating back to the 19th century during the French invasions.

Located in the Olmeiro mountain range, 5 km from the village of Sobral de Monte Agraço, the Circuito do Alqueidão evokes a historic-military past as part of the 1st Line of Defense during the French invasions.

Composed of four military works (forts), the circuit became the main strategy to stop the advance of the French army and protect the capital.

The main fort of this circuit, better known as Forte do Alqueidão, had an area of 35,000 m2, capacity for 2,000 men and 45 fire hydrants. Rising to 439 meters in altitude, this was the highest point of the entire defensive system of the Lines of Torres. This fort incorporates several military structures, such as the magazines, the governor’s house and the gunboats.

Built on the slopes of the hills between 1809 and 1811, the military roads covered hundreds of kilometers and served, above all, to ensure the rapid movement of troops and messengers between Forts, ensuring the supply of artillery, ammunition and supplies.

As part of the first line of defence, the forts of Machado, Simplício and Novo also stand out in this region.