TENASSES FORT

TENASSES FORT

Tenasses Fort is a 17th- and 18th-century fortification built to strengthen Tortosa's defences and protect the northern approaches to the city.

Tenasses Fort stands outside Tortosa's historic city walls and can be reached via the road known as Pujada de les Tenasses. This early modern fortification was built in two phases to strengthen the city's defences and establish Tortosa as a major military stronghold.

The first phase, closest to the city, dates from the 17th century. It consists of a tenaille, a defensive structure with two lateral flanks: one facing the steep escarpment and the other adjoining the perimeter wall, where the entrance is located. This section includes a moat, a covered way and a gateway leading to two demi-bastions connected by a central curtain wall. Inside are rooms once used to store gunpowder, a water cistern, a courtyard and access to the upper level, where the guard post was located and from which visitors can enjoy impressive panoramic views.

It was from this location that the Flemish artist Anton van den Wyngaerde depicted one of his views of Tortosa in the 16th century, as part of an atlas of cities commissioned by the Spanish Crown.

The second phase, developed during the 18th century, extends beyond the moat and is organised around the parade ground. To the north, it incorporates additional defensive features characteristic of bastioned fortifications, designed to meet the military requirements of the period.

After the fort ceased to serve a military purpose, it was purchased at auction by local businesspeople in the 1970s. In 2014, Tortosa City Council acquired the property, bringing this important part of the city's military heritage back into public ownership.

THE ROMAN CITY
THE ROMAN CITY
Dertosa developed from the Iberian settlement of Hibera and became an important trading centre in the Ebro valley
sant ruf
sant ruf
El cementirti del castell
El cementirti del castell
THE DEFENCE OF THE CITY: THE TRAST
THE DEFENCE OF THE CITY: THE TRAST
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THE DEMOLITION OF THE CITY WALLS
THE DEMOLITION OF THE CITY WALLS
In the late 19th century, Tortosa began demolishing its medieval city walls to allow the city to expand.
FROM CASTLE TO FORTRESS
FROM CASTLE TO FORTRESS
The development of artillery transformed medieval castles into modern fortresses, with structures specifically designed for military defence.
HABSBURG AND BOURBON SUPPORTERS
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THE DIAMOND POINT TOWER
THE DIAMOND POINT TOWER
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CRISTÒFOL DESPUIG
CRISTÒFOL DESPUIG
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TORTOSA'S TRADITIONAL CULTURE
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Tortosa's traditional culture brings together music, dance, giants and festive customs that keep the city's identity alive.
TENASSES FORT
TENASSES FORT
Tenasses Fort is a 17th- and 18th-century fortification built to strengthen Tortosa's defences and protect the northern approaches to the city.
TORTOSA, A CENTRE OF ART IN THE MEDIEVAL AND EARLY MODERN PERIODS
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THE OPEN CAPONIER
THE OPEN CAPONIER
The Open Caponier is a defensive site along the road to Tenasses Fort, with structures once used to control access to the Célio ravine.
HORNWORK
HORNWORK
The hornwork at Tenasses is a 17th-century defensive structure designed to protect the northern approaches to Tortosa.