Category: Civil Architecture > Lighthouse
District: Faro > Vila do Bispo > Sagres > Cabo de São Vicente
Situated on the westernmost tip of Cape St. Vincent, in the locality of Sagres, municipality of Vila do Bispo, this lighthouse rises on a plateau overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This location is known for being the southwesternmost point of the European continent, offering unobstructed and magnificent views over the vast blue sea. The surroundings are marked by dramatic cliffs and the constant presence of wind and waves, contributing to an atmosphere of isolation and contemplation.
Cape St. Vincent is a place with profound historical resonance, since time immemorial considered a Sacred Promontory. Its importance for navigators is millennial, with records of ancient peoples who recognized here a space of communion with the sea and the divine. In the 16th century, even before the current structure, there was already a lighthouse tower operated by the Franciscan friars of the convent established there, lighting bonfires to guide vessels and signal coastal dangers. The modern lighthouse, which we observe today, was ordered to be built in 1846, during the reign of D. Maria II, continuing this ancient mission as guardian of the seas.
The Cape St. Vincent Lighthouse is a cylindrical tower built of masonry, with an annex building and a red lantern and balcony, reaching 28 meters in height. Its light, positioned at an altitude of 86 meters, has a remarkable range over the ocean. Since its initial installation, which operated with olive oil, the lighthouse has undergone significant modernizations. In the early 20th century, it received a hyper-radiant Fresnel lens, considered one of the largest and most powerful in the world. This advanced lenticular apparatus, with a complex mercury rotation system, emits five white flashes every fifteen seconds, projecting its light for tens of kilometers, making it one of the longest-range lighthouses in Europe. In 1914, a sound signal was added, known locally as "the cow," a vital aid on dense foggy days.
Integrated into the historic São Vicente fortress, classified as a Public Interest Property, the lighthouse presents itself as an imposing element in this wild natural setting. The solid architecture of the lighthouse and its dependencies harmonize with the robustness of the cliffs. A visit to the site allows one to appreciate not only the engineering and maritime history, but also the grandeur of the landscape. It is a privileged observation point where the horizon seems infinite, the sunset acquires a unique intensity, and the untamed force of the Atlantic reveals itself in all its plenitude, offering a memorable experience and a strong connection with nature and history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.02301135807268, -8.99652632732707
Coordinates DMS: 37°01'22.8"N 08°59'47.5"W
On-duty Pharmacy Sagres
