Fort of Meia Praia or Fort of São Roque of Lagos

Category: Military Architecture > Fort

District: Faro > Lagos > Lagos > Meia Praia

Location

The Meia Praia Fort is located on the beach of the same name, in Lagos, in the Algarve region. It is situated on a small hill overlooking Lagos Bay, in a strategic area that helped protect the city.

History

The fort was built in the 17th century, between 1674 and 1675, to defend the bay and complement the defense system of the city of Lagos. Over time, it lost its military function and became a post for the Tax Guard (Guarda Fiscal).

Architectural characteristics

The building has a simple and small format, with a square plan and a battery facing the ocean. The facade is Mannerist and access to the battery is via a ramp. The construction has undergone several changes over time, especially after the 1755 Earthquake, which caused serious damage to the fort.

Historical significance

The fort is part of the military heritage of the city of Lagos, representing the architecture and fortifications of the 17th century. It is a symbol of the Algarve's coastal defense and was classified as a Monument of Public Interest in 2015.

Transformations over the centuries

During the 18th century, the fort was damaged and rebuilt several times, especially after the great earthquake of 1755. In the 19th century, it lost its military function, being used by the Tax Guard until the mid-20th century. In 2000, the property was handed over to the Public Treasury (Fazenda Pública).

Current state and recovery plans

Currently, the Meia Praia Fort is in a state of degradation, with the risk of collapse. The Lagos City Council has been trying to recover the fort and several possibilities for its use have already been discussed, such as an environmental center or a museum linked to the sea.

Accessibility

The fort can be visited, although its interior is not fully accessible due to its state of conservation. It is located near the beach and the Meia Praia train station, which facilitates arrival at the site.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forte_da_Meia_Praia

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