Almeida

The siege of Almeida in 1810 saw the Anglo-Portuguese garrison, under the orders of General William Cox, be besieged by French units commanded by Marshal Ney. A lucky shot from French artillery detonated the fortress's ammunition depot, seriously weakening the city's defences and forcing General Cox to surrender. Almeida's victory is today engraved on the west-left pillar of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Almeida is a fortified Portuguese city that played an important role in the defence of the border with Spain. Built on the site of an ancient medieval castle, the fortress, one of the most imposing in Portugal, dominates rocky terrain on one of the highest hills in the region.

In the fight of Napoleon Bonaparte against England and his attempt to isolate the island, Portugal represents an obstacle, this one remaining faithful to his former ally, and this in spite of the pressures exerted against it. Prestigious Marshal André Masséna will be appointed to command the third attempted invasion of the kingdom against Wellington's army.

Visit the city

NEWS

Almeida: Join the largest historical re-enactment of Napoleonic era in Portugal

By Destination Napoleon | 12 August 2025

The historical reconstruction of the Siege of Almeida, which will take place from 29 to 31 August 2025, promises to plunge visitors into the heart of the dramatic events of the 3rd French invasion and its profound impact on the region. Situated close to the Spanish border, in the heart of Portugal, the fortress of Almeida will once again [...]

Almeida: Historical reconstruction of the Siege of Almeida

By Destination Napoleon | 6 September 2023

From 25 to 27 August 2023 in Almeida, Portugal The town of Almeida organised the 19th edition of the Siege of Almeida from Friday 25 to Sunday 27 August 2023. The historical re-enactment recalls a historic event from the 19th century, when the Napoleonic invasions took place and Almeida resisted the advance of the French army on [...].

Portugal: Events diary 2023

By Destination Napoleon | 11 July 2023

Discover the Napoleonic heritage activities of our Portuguese members. The 2023 diaries of the Napoleonic Routes in Portugal invite you to take part in various activities designed to discover and promote the tangible and intangible cultural heritage associated with the history of the Napoleonic invasions of Portugal. The routes cross a wide range of territories, giving them a unique identity [...]

Foto de Capa Cerco 2 Prancheta 1 copia 1 squared

18. Historical reconstruction of the siege of Almeida

By Destination Napoleon | 12 August 2022

From Thursday 26 to Sunday 28 August 2022, the town of Almeida is organising a series of events focusing on the Napoleonic era.

More information

Almeida city website: www.cm-almeida.pt

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