Fortaleza de São José da Amura


Fortaleza de São José da Amura is a fort in Bissau, Guinea Bissau.

The fortress

Its original structure was built by Portuguese forces from 1696, under the command of Captain General José Pinheiro. It housed the trading company, Cacheu and Cape Verde Company. The crown ceased to renew the exploration contract in 1703 which led to the abandonment of the Captaincy of Bissau on December 170, later the fortress was destroyed. It was rebuilt in November 1753 under the plan made by Manuel de Vinhais Sarmento, and further changes were made in 1766 by Colonel Manuel Germano da Mota. It underwent repairs from 1858 to 1860, led by Captain Januário Correia de Almeida. In the twentieth century, it was restored from the 1970s, under the guidance of architect Luis Benavente. Open to the public, it now houses the mausoleum of Amilcar Cabral.