The Forte De Peniche Was Built In The 16th 17th Century. Transformed Into A Political Prison During The Estado Novo Dictatorship. Royalty-Free Stock Photo

The fortress of Peniche, built by King João IV in the 17th century, together with the fortress on Consolação beach and the fortress of São João Baptista on Berlenga Island, formed an important fortress against naval attacks. During the dictatorship of the "Estado Novo" (1933-1974), the fortress of Peniche served as a prison for political prisoners and was the scene of one of the most spectacular escapes that took place in Portugal in the 20th century. In 1960, a group of political prisoners broke out, including communist leader Álvaro Cunhal. Nowadays there is a museum worth seeing, which not only houses parts of the former prison but also thematic exhibitions about the region.