Forte de Santiago da Barra

The Fort Santiago da Barra de Viana do Castelo (Forte de Santiago da Barra in Portuguese) also referred to as Castle Santiago da Barra (Castelo de Santiago da Barra in Portuguese) and Castle São Tiago Maior da Barra (Castelo de São Tiago Maior da Barra in Portuguese) is located in the parish of Santa Maria Maior, Monserrate, and Meadela, in the city of Viana do Castelo in Portugal. In a dominant position on the right bank of the bar of the river Lima, its purpose was to defend the anchorage and village of Viana da Foz, now the city of Viana do Castelo. It was once one of the most important fortresses in the northwestern coast of Portugal. It is classified as a Property of Public Interest by Decree published on 24 January 1967. The Viana do Castelo Hotel and Tourism School founded in 2007 currently operates in the fort.