Compass Rose

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Faro > Vila do Bispo > Sagres

Location

The Compass Rose is located on the promontory of Sagres, in the municipality of Vila do Bispo, at the southwestern tip of mainland Portugal. This site, situated on an extensive and open coastal plateau, offers a wide and unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean. The immensity of the sea and the force of the rocky landscapes create a unique environment for its observation.

This enigmatic design is set within an area of deep historical-maritime significance. Its presence on the flat terrain of this promontory invites contemplation of the horizon and the past of exploration.

A Design on the Ground

This remarkable feature is an impressive Compass Rose, carved directly into the ground. With approximately 43 meters in diameter, its geometric design is of great scale and precision, composed of 32 rays representing the directions of the wind. Its visual simplicity hides the complexity of its purpose, with its exact origin and function still subject to study and debate today.

Observing it from a higher vantage point allows appreciation of the perfection of its form and its integration into the landscape. It is a testament to an era when cartography and navigation were crucial arts, reflecting the ingenuity and knowledge of Portuguese navigators.

Echoes of Discovery

The Sagres Compass Rose immediately evokes the spirit of the Age of Discoveries. Although its true creator and utility remain a mystery, its symbolic connection with the great maritime voyages that shaped history is undeniable. This place, where the Atlantic wind is felt and the known "end of the world" is sighted, transports visitors to a period of audacity and exploration.

Its presence on this promontory, once a center of nautical knowledge, serves as a powerful representation of the challenges and triumphs of navigation. It is a place for reflection, where one can imagine ships setting sail for the unknown, guided only by the knowledge of winds and stars.

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