Forte de São José (Maio)
| Forte de São José | |
|---|---|
| Porto Inglês, Maio Island in Cape Verde | |
| Site information | |
| Controlled by | Portuguese Empire |
| Open to the public | Yes |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 15°08′11″N 23°12′45″W / 15.1365°N 23.2125°W |
| Site history | |
| Built | c. 1743 |
| Events | Battle of Maio (1814) |
| Forte de São José Lighthouse | |
| Constructed | 1887 |
| Foundation | stone base |
| Construction | stone tower |
| Height | 18 m (59 ft) |
| Shape | square tower with balcony and light |
| Markings | white tower |
| Power source | solar power |
| Focal height | 22 m (72 ft) |
| Range | 9 nautical miles (17 km; 10 mi) |
| Characteristic | Fl(3) R 12s |
| Cape Verde no. | PT-2115 |
Forte de São José (Portuguese for the Fort of Saint Joseph) is a fort located in the city of Porto Inglês in the southern part of Maio Island, Cape Verde. It was built by the Portuguese around 1743, in order to protect the town of Porto Inglês from pirate attacks. Today, the fort is one of the tourist attractions of the town.