In the far southwest of Portugal, there is a city marked by the history of great navigations and unique coastal landscapes. According to the Algarve Portugal Tourism tourist portal, this area maintains a quiet environment, with lower temperatures than in the rest of the region, almost deserted beaches and significant cultural heritage.
History and fortifications
The city in question is Sagres. According to the same source, the great historical attraction is the Fortress of Sagres, built in 1453 to protect the southern coast of Portugal, but also served as the Study and Planning Center of Infante D. Henrique, bringing together astronomers, cartographers and builders. The publication adds that the fortress suffered significant damage during an attack by the English chord Francis Drake in 1587, and by the 1755 earthquake, but much remains preserved.
Near the fortress is a huge 43 meter in diameter vower pink, whose function remains uncertain. According to the same source, it may have been used as a sun clock or integrated into a circular plant chapel. Also nearby is a 15th century chapel, simple but of historical relevance, which contributes to the cultural heritage of the village.
The most southwest European point
Cabo de São Vicente, located a few meters from Fortaleza, marks the southwest point of continental Europe. The Romans called him Promontorium Sacrum, which may have originated the name of the village, and until the fifteenth century was considered the limit of the known land.
This is why Sagres is said to be “where the land ends and the sea begins.” It writes the publication that this cable impresses with its stature, with cliffs of 75 meters high, a headlight built in 1846 and large views for the Atlantic, being a privileged place to observe the sunset.
Fortress of Bunk and Hermitage of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Shortly before reaching the cable, you can see the fortress of bunk. According to the same source, this fortification was built in the sixteenth century to protect the coast and the tuna fishing industry, suffering destruction and reconstructions over the centuries. Adds the publication that it is currently only possible to observe the Fortress from abroad, but the place provides remarkable views of the coast.
About 10 minutes from the city of Sagres is the Chapel of Our Lady of Guadalupe, a fifteenth-century Gothic building preserved after the 1755 earthquake. According to the same source, the Chapel was classified national monument and houses a small museum that documents the life of Infante D. Henrique and the history of spice trade.
Beaches and nature
The region offers beaches with different characteristics. It refers to what Maresto Beach is the closest to the center, Martinhal Beach is suitable for windsurfing, Tonel Beach for Surf, and Beliche Beach, more sheltered, serves surfers and naturists. In addition, the Vicentine coast has virtually deserted beaches, with wild landscapes.
The village combines history, coastal landscapes and a quiet environment, maintaining its role as a cultural and natural destination in the Algarve, away from the crowds of other tourist areas.
Also read:
