Pier I

Category: Civil Architecture > Quay

District: Faro > Lagos > Lagos > Bairro Operário

Location

Cais I is located on the waterfront of Lagos, within the area known as Bairro Operário (Workers' Quarter). This area offers a tranquil and open environment, inviting walks along the water. Its position allows visitors to observe the estuary landscape and the city's connection to the sea, in a place that once marked the entrance to the ancient walled city.

The Maritime Past

Throughout history, this location has been known by various names, such as Cais da Ribeira, Cais de Alcântara, or Cais da Alfândega, reflecting its central importance. Cais I served as a vital access point for Lagos, functioning as the city's main maritime link. It was strategically protected by a robust wall built in the 16th century, which included specific gates to control the flow of people and goods, marking the transition between the port and the urban center.

A Legacy Revisited

In the 1940s, Cais I, in its original configuration, was buried to allow for the expansion of Avenida da Guiné. However, years later, through an urban requalification process, this area was unearthed and carefully restored. Today, Cais I is fully integrated into Lagos's modern waterfront, offering visitors an opportunity to walk upon the vestiges of a profound maritime history and to appreciate how the city's past has been brought back to light and valued.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt