St. Joseph’s Fort on Maio Island

Maio Island

Cape Verde

The Mother Church of Porto Inglês, on Maio Island, besides its religious component, has an inherent historical aspect to it. Learn more about this church and why you should visit it.

By Cape Verde Travel Guide

The influence of the Church in Cape Verdean culture and history

Whoever visits Maio Island realizes a fortified building with cannons. Why does Maio, one of the least populated islands in Cape Verde, have a fort? Learn more in this article about the fort of São José, on Maio Island.

Why was it necessary to put up a fort on the Isle of May?

May is an arid island, and despite the dream beaches, has not managed over time to prevent the immigration of the inhabitants who were born there, especially in periods of drought. What many people forget or are unaware of is the fact that Maio has salt pans. In the sec. XVI and XVII the salt trade was so important that it earned the nickname “white gold”. This business, quite lucrative at the time, together with the possibility of cattle breeding, made the island a desirable target for pirates.

São José Fort; a special place on Ilha do Maio

Built in the 18th century. XVIII, the main function of Forte de São José was to protect the island (and, consequently, the salt pans) from pirate attacks. Thus, a building was constructed that faces the sea, with cannons pointed in various directions, which were used to attack ships with hostile intentions.

Starting in 1887, a lighthouse was built inside the fort of S. José, with the objective of guiding the boats approaching the island, including those of fishermen, thus avoiding accidents.

The rehabilitation of an important monument

For many years this building was in a state of degradation, which prevented visitors from accessing an important monument of this Cape Verdean island.

After the requalification works, completed in 2013 (painting, electrification, arrangement of the surrounding area, and placement of information, as well as a small store for local products), the Forte de São José has become a tourist attraction and a place of passage almost mandatory for those visiting the island.

If you get a chance, visit the fort of São José in Cidade do Maio, and get a closer look at Cape Verde’s history.