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Fortress · Ribadeo, Galicia
Forte de San Damián
Fort completed in 1624 to protect the galleons built in the Ribadeo shipyard, on the edge of the ria, overlooking the ponte dos Santos, which links Galicia to the Asturias.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Forte de San Damián
The fort of San Damián sits on the edge of the ria of Ribadeo, north of the town center. The first design is from 1605, intended to defend the galleons of the Armada da Carreira das Índias that were built at the Porcillán shipyard in Ribadeo, against the threat of the Dutch fleet. The work was carried out under the command of the captain-general of Galicia, the marquis of San Damián, who gave his name to the fort, and was completed in December 1624.
Shortly after, in 1638, the cannons were moved to another point on the coast, and the fort was abandoned. In 1719, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, it was ruined by the English. Today the stone walls remain by the water, in a space open to the public.
From there you get the best view of the ponte dos Santos, inaugurated in 1987 and extended in 2008, which crosses the ria and connects Ribadeo, in Galicia, with Castropol, in the Asturias. The bridge's name comes from the two chapels on the banks, San Román on the Asturian side and San Miguel on the Galician side.
From the fort, the path follows the shore to the ilha Pancha.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20 to 30 minutes.
Best time
Late afternoon, with light over the ria and the ponte dos Santos.
How to get there
It sits on the ria's edge, about 1.5 km from the center of Ribadeo, about a 20-minute walk, on the way to the ilha Pancha.
Tip
Stop at the fort to see the ponte dos Santos head-on: it's the best angle to view the crossing between Galicia and the Asturias.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Forte de San Damián
What was the fort of San Damián used for?
To protect the galleons built at the Ribadeo shipyard from attacks by the Dutch fleet, in the 17th century.
What is the ponte dos Santos?
The 1987 bridge that crosses the ria of Ribadeo and links Galicia to the Asturias.
Can you walk from the fort to the ilha Pancha?
Yes, via the ria shore path.