St. Fortress John the Baptist in Foz, also called the castle of St. John of Foz, is in the parish of Foz do Douro in Porto. Formerly a defensive fortress, later the fort was used as a prison for political prisoners. In the 1990s, the monument underwent archaeological research under the supervision of the Municipal Archaeological Office of Museums and the Historical and Artistic Heritage Department of the Porto City Council. Currently, it is the host of the National Defense Institute.
The construction of fortifications was begun in 1570, under the supervision of João Gomes da Silva. At that time it consisted of a simple structure comprising a hospice (monastery) and the church of Santo Tirso. During the war for the restoration of independence, it was decided to rebuild the fortification. The work was supervised by Frenchman Charles Lassart. The old church was demolished, the tombs removed, and the outbuildings were demolished and used to consolidate the fortress embankment.
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