Category: Civil Architecture > Building
District: Faro > Lagos > Lagos > Centro Histórico
This building is located in Praça Infante Dom Henrique, in the historic center of Lagos, next to the city's old quay. It is situated between the Church of Santa Maria and the Hospital of Lagos, within an urban area marked by its proximity to the river and the sea, which highlights the historical importance of the site for trade and port administration.
The surroundings maintain a tranquil atmosphere, allowing for contemplation of the building's facade framed by historical architectural elements, in an area that preserves the city's traditional layout.
The building dates back to the 17th century and was constructed to perform administrative functions related to tolls, i.e., the collection of taxes on goods entering the city. It was located within the city walls, next to gates that directly connected to the quay, standing out as a strategic point for controlling maritime trade.
Over time, the building had various uses, including as barracks for customs rowers and as a tithe house or 'vedoria' (inspection office), functions related to fiscal inspection and tax management until the early 19th century.
With a rectangular plan and two stories, the building presents a simple volume, covered by a hip roof. On the main facade, a frieze delineates the floors. On the ground floor, three doors with stonework frames stand out, lending rhythm to the facade.
On the upper floor, three windows compose the facade: the central one is a sash window, while the lateral ones are larger, with balconies protected by cast-iron railings. This combination is characteristic of 17th-century civil architecture, with a sober and functional aesthetic.
Although the current construction dates from the 17th century, the site where the building stands was already occupied in earlier periods, as evidenced by vestiges found in its foundations. The reference to 1373 in an epigraph on the facade may indicate the existence of an earlier structure or works carried out at that time, suggesting that this site has a long tradition linked to port administration.
The building was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, which affected a large part of the region, and subsequently rebuilt in the 19th century, preserving the original architectural characteristics and adapting to the needs of the time. In the 20th century, it underwent minor interventions, notably related to sewage systems, which reflected its integration with nearby urban infrastructures.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quartel_dos_Remadores_da_Alfândega
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1000073,-8.6702275
Coordinates DMS: 37°06'0.0"N 08°40'12.8"W
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