The Bugio Lighthouse, one of the most unique buildings at the mouth of the Tagus, welcomes visitors again this month through a program that allows you to discover the interior of this historic fortification. Located between Oeiras and Almada, the monument stands out for its isolated location in the middle of the river and for the past that transformed it into much more than a simple maritime signaling point. According to , the visits are part of another edition of the “Vá Bugiar” initiative, with boat trips and guided access to the interior.
For around an hour and a half, participants can visit some of the structure’s most emblematic spaces and learn about episodes that spanned centuries of Portuguese history. According to the same source, visits are scheduled for the 16th, 17th, 23rd, 24th, 30th and 31st of May, subject to prior registration.
A fort before it became a lighthouse
Long before asserting itself as a visual reference in the Lisbon bar, the construction was born as Forte de São Lourenço do Bugio. The work began around 1578 and would be expanded a few years later by order of Philip II of Spain, writes the newspaper.
The circular shape, unusual in military architecture at the time, responded to the need to resist the constant impact of the tides and protect the capital’s sea entrance. The publication adds that the fort was designed to reinforce the defense of the coast and stop unexpected attacks.
Stories of war and closure
Over the centuries, the Bugio assumed different functions. In addition to military surveillance and nighttime guidance for navigators, the space also served as a prison and even as a school for military children.
The same source mentions that one of the figures detained there was Gomes Freire de Andrade, accused of conspiracy against the regime of D. João VI. The soldier ended up being executed after a period of captivity in that space.
Destruction and rebirth
The 1755 earthquake left deep marks on the structure. The tower was destroyed and it was only around two decades later that it rose again, in a recovery promoted by the Marquês de Pombal.
According to the same source, it was during this phase that the highest point began to receive permanent lighting, initially powered by olive oil. Later, the system evolved into oil and, in the mid-20th century, into electrical energy.
Day he no longer had a lighthouse keeper
For decades, Bugio had a permanent human presence. Entire families lived there and ensured the daily maintenance of the lighthouse, depending on the tides for any movement.
NiT explains that this model ended in 1981, when an automatic system was installed and started to be controlled remotely by the Headlights Department. Since then, the space no longer needs resident lighthouse keepers.
What can you see inside
Although normally closed, the interior preserves several historic spaces. Among them are the old prisons, the cistern, the main tower, the sea doors and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
According to the same source, there is also the so-called Praça do Infante, the defensive ravelin and former military reception areas. To participate in visits to Farol do Bugio, registration costs R$35 and must be done by direct contact with the organization, and it is recommended to bring water, firm footwear and sun protection.
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