Monuments to visit Algarve

Its strategic position made it possible to protect the estuary. It was built around a watchtower erected during the reign of João II (1481-1495). Ferragudo didn't even exist yet. It was only later (mid-16th century) that the first defensive walls appeared. The final construction of the rampart dates back to 1643. After the earthquake of 1755, he went through very difficult times. Poorly maintained, it lost some of its prestige until the beginning of the 20th century, when the poet Coelho Carvalho undertook work to turn it into a residence.

Perched atop its cliff, it seems to mark the end of a world. By rushing into it, we have a vague impression of leaving the planet earth for an unknown universe. Initially built in the 15th century, redesigned according to Vauban's constructions in the 18th century, it was disfigured in the 20th century by a concrete block for trading. The mosaic compass rose is said to date from the time of Henry the Navigator and to have served as an instrument for the nautical school he founded in Sagres.

It is one of the most powerful lighthouses in Europe. Built in 1904, it has a light that can be seen at a distance of 90 km. Inside, its small museum, which can be visited in a maximum of 30 minutes, recalls the importance of the place. The lighthouse is surrounded by a fortress built in the 16th century to protect itself from the Moors' offensives. Legend has it that the walls were built over an ancient medieval convent, where the remains of Saint Vincent are believed to be.

It is obvious that it was not built there by chance. Older civilizations had already chosen this site as a strategic military point. The first traces would even go back to the Iron Age, around 1100 BC. Two towers still stand and mark the end of a long wall that has hardly been altered since its construction. Inside, we can see an Arabic cistern. If some effort is required to achieve this, the beautiful view from the heights is the right reward.