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Built between 1642 and 1648 and classified as ‘Imóvel de Interesse Público’ (cultural heritage building), the fort of S. Jorge de Oitavos has housed small garrisons, especially artillery, in order to protect the coast (between Guincho and Guia and the Tagus river mouth) from pirate attacks or the landing of enemy troops. Its location allowed the cross firing with the fortresses of Nossa Senhora da Guia (Our Lady of Guia) and São Brás, keeping away the enemy approaching the coast. Its dimensions, the space organization and the large proportions of the enclosure and battery make this fort "unusual" comparing to contemporary fortresses on the coast of Cascais.

Today is a museum where you can learn more about the building and its role as a military device, as well as the development of artillery and uniforms, thanks to old uniforms replicas, illustrations and also instruments that were used in the old gunpowder storehouse and in the cannons. It also has temporary exhibitions about this fort and of Cascais history.