Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Faro > Lagoa > Carvoeiro > Algar Seco

Location

The Fort of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação stands impressively atop a cliff, in the Algar Seco area, in Carvoeiro, municipality of Lagoa. Its strategic position, approximately one hundred meters above sea level, offers breathtaking panoramic views over the ocean and the Algarve coastline. Access to the site is via the Rampa de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Ramp of Our Lady of the Incarnation), which leads directly to this privileged spot.

The area surrounding the fort has recently been redeveloped, incorporating a wooden walkway that allows visitors to enjoy the surrounding landscape and a landscaped environment, providing a pleasant experience by the cliff.

A Historical Testimony

Originally known as Forte do Carvoeiro (Carvoeiro Fort), this military monument began to be erected in 1670, by order of the then Captain-General of the Kingdom of Algarve, Nuno de Mendonça, and was completed in 1675. Its main function was to defend the coast and the rich tuna and sardine fisheries of the region, protecting them from frequent attacks by pirates and enemy vessels.

Throughout the centuries, the fort witnessed various events. It was severely affected by the great Earthquake of 1755, which caused the ruin of the chapel. However, it was rebuilt in 1796, resuming its defensive importance before entering a decline in the 19th century. In 1871, the site gained a new function, serving as a post for the Fiscal Guard, adapting to the needs of the time.

Its Design and Evolution

Of the original fortification, with an irregular polygonal plan and sea-facing batteries, elements that tell its story remain today. Parts of the wall remain, particularly the east-facing wall where the entrance portal is located, above which a plaque marking the year of its construction, 1670, can be observed. The old buildings that served as facilities for the garrison and, later, for the Fiscal Guard, are also visible.

Recent interventions have sought to enhance the remains of the old wall and dignify the portal, which constitute the most distinctive marks of its military architecture. An outdoor amphitheater has also been created on site, designed to host cultural events and provide a leisure space with sea views.

The Chapel of Encarnação: A Living Symbol

Within the fort's perimeter lies the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of the Incarnation), whose existence is very likely older than the fortress itself. This small temple, despite the damage caused by the 1755 Earthquake and subsequent repair and modification works, has remained a reference point for navigation and a place of deep devotion.

The chapel hosts cultural and sacred events, being the stage for the eucharist during the annual Feast in Honor of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (Our Lady of the Incarnation), one of the main religious events of the village. Inside, two valuable images are kept: that of the patron saint, dating from the 17th century, and a representation of the Crucifixion, attributed to the 19th century. This sacred space and its surroundings continue to be a center of community and cultural life for the locality.

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