"Alma Ate Almeida"
The Portuguese Fortress of Almeida:
Fortress Map and Plan
by Richard 'Rifleman' Rutherford-Moore
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Key to map, circa 1810: 1. Main Gate; the Porta de San Francisco this comes in two parts, with interior and exterior gatehouses. The exterior gatehouse houses a small collection of period weapons and memorabilia, maps and drawings. Check the Tourist Office next door for the opening times. 2. The former Infantry Barracks, today an ersatz-housing block for residents. Ask nicely, and you can have a look around at a typical room/dormitory, complete with screaming kids and soldiers' wives hanging out the washing. 3. The old hospital, run by nuns since the 17th Century. 4. A casemented Bastion, with underground rooms for the drawing of water, hospital and magazine capacity. You'll need a torch and a walking stick here. The sunken courtyard garden still remains with its 'spring house' period cooling system. The dark dungeons were used both as shelters from the bombing and jails for the fascists during the mid-1930's. 5. A compact and bijou period row of old houses, left undamaged after the explosion of 1810, Including the Casa da Roda dos Expostos a house where a small revolving door set in a wall was where you could deposit your unwanted Infants. 6. Formerly the spot where the Cavalry Barracks were the explosion completely demolished them, and the modern pousada now replaces it; a good source for souvenirs. 7. The Praiça Alta; gives a commanding view from a strong rampart where John Beresford's tombstone now stands. 8. A stout ravelin the Revelim Doble the main military hospital and above on the top, the main military cemetery, where period soldiers still watch the frontier 9. The hub of the town, the Camara Municipal (combination Town Hall and Governor's office in time of war). Artillerymen were quartered around the back. 10. The Palacio da Vedoria; the formal palace of the military Governor. Drink to his health walk due north from here up the alley to a good cold beer. 11. The foundations of the citadel, the rest being scattered around the surrounding fields after the explosion of 1810. Next door to the north was the cathedral that was also sent to 'Kingdom Come'. 12. The main artillery park and repair workshops, ammunition' factory and also a bullring/riding school for leisure periods. 13. A gunpowder manufactory and magazine. 14. The other main gate, the Porta Duplas de St Antonio, a very strongly defended gate indeed, with its own artillery park and large Salle des Armes for parading the troops. 15. Another large bastion, with a collection of antiquated artillery pieces for you to peruse. 'Gunners' will discern naval guns; and spot the lonely English 18 pounder, serving as a litter-bin.# Map of Maida 
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