The historic fortress of Peniche, Portugal. by Marjolein Zijlstra

Peniche's historic fort, known locally as Fortaleza de Peniche, was built in the 17th century by King João IV. Together with the fort on Consolação beach and the fort of São João Baptista on Berlenga island, this defensive fort formed an important line of defence against sea attacks. During the dictatorship of the "Estado Novo" (1933-1974), the Peniche fortress served as a state prison for political prisoners and was the scene of one of the most spectacular escapes that took place in Portugal in the 20th century on this spot. In the year 1960, a group of political prisoners broke out, including communist leader Álvaro Cunhal. Today, there is a museum worth seeing, which features thematic changing exhibitions about this Portuguese region in addition to parts of the then prison. Its location on the edge of the peninsula is fantastic, parking nearby and on foot one can walk around the many facets of the fort. In many places along the local coast, we still encounter walls with watchtowers that protected the hinterland and their houses from the raging ocean waters and, at the time, possible enemy action. Walking around behind and over these fortress walls, the atmosphere of the time is at least palpable with a little imagination.

This artwork is offered by Marjolein Zijlstra

Middle-aged, married, energetic and still full of zest for life,
Mother and grandmother, still works for 3 days a week.
My interests include healthy living, healthy cooking, walking in nature, visiting beautiful cities, collecting and capturing beautiful memories. We live in the heart of South Limburg, in the middle of the beautiful idyllic hill country, on the outskirts of the village, but with all amenities within walking distance. Lifetime-proof, so we will stay for a while. By now we know the region well, have been on every beautiful path in the different seasons. We also like to explore nature outside our borders. With Belgian Ardennes and the German Eifel as hinterland, these are ideal opportunities. One of our children lives with his family near Granada, so we visit there regularly and enjoy the beautiful Spanish cities and beautiful subtropical nature there too.
I, read we, hope to be able to enjoy for a long time in health the things we find valuable, especially simple things that are there for the taking, that you can observe with your eyes open, can smell when you walk around it, can hear when you listen to it, and perhaps share a bit of that happiness with others through images.

Learn more about Marjolein Zijlstra?

• All artworks by Marjolein Zijlstra