Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse

Category: Civil Architecture > Lighthouse

District: Faro > Lagos > Lagos > Ponta da Piedade

Location

The Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse majestically rises at the westernmost point of the city of Lagos, in the heart of the Algarve region. Situated atop the dramatic cliffs that characterize this coastal area, the lighthouse offers an unparalleled panoramic view of the vast Atlantic Ocean. Its elevated position, approximately 51 meters above sea level, allows for enjoyment of expansive maritime landscapes, marked by the force of nature and the beauty of the Algarve coastline.

The lighthouse's surroundings are predominantly natural and marine, with the intense blue of the ocean contrasting with the golden and reddish hues of the rocks. It is a place that invites contemplation and appreciation of the Atlantic's vastness.

Memory and Transformation

The history of the Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse is rich and dates back centuries before its own construction. Inaugurated on July 1, 1913, this lighthouse was erected on a site of profound historical and religious significance. Before its existence, and as early as the 16th century, the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Piedade was located there, an important maritime sanctuary revered by the fishing community of Lagos, who considered her their patron saint.

Over time, this promontory has witnessed various transformations. In addition to the hermitage, which was affected by the 1755 earthquake and later rebuilt, the site also housed a small coastal defense fortification between the 17th and 18th centuries. The decision to build the lighthouse entailed the demolition of the old hermitage, an action that generated some opposition at the time, given the strong connection of the population to its religious legacy. Thus, the lighthouse is a symbol of the constant interaction between human presence and the force of the sea at this unique point in the Algarve.

Architecture and Function

The Ponta da Piedade Lighthouse features a robust and functional structure, designed to aid coastal navigation. It consists of a tower with a square plan, built in masonry and adorned with ashlar quoins, which give it a solid and traditional aesthetic. The five-meter-tall tower is flanked by two single-story buildings that once served as residences for the lighthouse keepers, today testimonies to a life dedicated to the sea.

At its base, the tower stands out for its architectural details, including the use of yellow tiles. At its top, a red metal dome houses the lantern, whose luminous range reaches 20 nautical miles. The lighthouse emits single white flashes every seven seconds, a vital signal for ships navigating this coast. Initially, the illumination operated on petroleum, having been electrified in 1952 and automated in 1983, adapting to technological demands to continue fulfilling its essential mission of maritime safety.

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