Event Details
Cerco de Almeida 2026 – Portugal's Greatest Napoleonic Reenactment
From 28 to 30 August 2026, the historic fortress town of Almeida in north-eastern Portugal becomes a living history monument. The 22nd edition of the Cerco de Almeida is the largest historical reenactment of the Napoleonic era in Portugal. The event opens on Friday at 5:30 PM and closes on Sunday at 8:00 PM. Entry is free of charge.
Historical Background
In August 1810, French forces under Marshal Ney besieged the Portuguese border fortress of Almeida during the Third French Invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. On 28 August 1810, a French bombardment ignited the fortress's powder magazine in a catastrophic explosion described as a "volcanic eruption", hurling massive stone blocks through the air and destroying much of the fortification. The garrison was forced to surrender. This dramatic event remains one of the most memorable moments of the Peninsular War.
Highlights
- Napoleonic reenactments throughout the streets of the Fortaleza de Almeida
- Night Battle of the Cerco de Almeida in the Fosso do Revelim do Paiol (approx. 11:00 PM on 30 August)
- Historical performances with Portuguese and international reenactment groups
- Military workshops and demonstrations for visitors
- 19th-century period ball
- Live music performances by well-known Portuguese artists
- Meet-and-greet with performers after the battles
- Casa do Traje: period costume rental on site
- Official 2026 commemorative coin available
Program
The three-day program opens on Friday, 28 August at 5:30 PM. Throughout the weekend, historical reenactments take place in the fortress streets alongside concerts, workshops and period entertainment. The centrepiece of the event is the Night Battle on Sunday, 30 August, staged at approximately 11:00 PM in the Fosso do Revelim do Paiol. Grandstand seats for the Night Battle cost €2 per person (ages 12 and over), with 400 places available. The event closes on Sunday at 8:00 PM. The reenactment is supported by the Portuguese Army and the Directorate of Military History and Culture.
Entry & Tickets
Entry to the entire event is free of charge. The only paid element is the grandstand seating for the Night Battle in the Fosso do Revelim do Paiol, priced at €2 per person for ages 12 and over. Tickets and further information are available through the Museu Histórico-Militar de Almeida: Tel. +351 271 571 229 or by email at [email protected].
Visitor Tips
- Almeida is located near the Spanish border; the nearest train station is Vilar Formoso (approx. 15 km), so travelling by car is recommended.
- Accommodation in Almeida is limited; book early in nearby towns such as Guarda or Vilar Formoso.
- Period costumes can be rented on site at the Casa do Traje.
- Exclusive souvenirs and the official 2026 commemorative coin are available at the Loja Oficial and Casa do Copo.
- The fortress grounds are extensive; comfortable footwear is strongly recommended.
