Tower, lighthouse, chapel or Hermitage of São Miguel-O-Anjo

Category: Religious Architecture > Hermitage

District: Porto > Porto > Porto > Foz do Douro

Location

The São Miguel-O-Anjo Lighthouse is located in Cantareira, at Cais do Marégrafo, in the parish of Foz do Douro, in Porto.

Historical Importance

It is one of the oldest lighthouses in Portugal and one of the first Renaissance buildings in Europe, classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1951.

Structure

The tower is square and made of granite, with an octagonal brick dome covered with a white layer. It features an iron railing that replaces the old balustrade.

Interior

The space inside the tower is octagonal and has three shell-shaped niches that previously contained religious images. In the central niche, there is a small altar. Access to the top is via a spiral staircase.

Lighthouse Light

The light that illuminated the lighthouse is no longer present. Old stories say it was at the top of the tower, in a location that is currently covered by another building.

Construction Date

An inscription on the south facade indicates that the tower was commissioned in 1527 by Bishop Miguel da Silva, with the aim of aiding navigation.

Changes Over Time

In 1841, a building was constructed next to the tower for the Fiscal Guard. In 1852, a new tower was added for a telegraph station.

Visit

The location is accessible and offers a historical view over the Douro River, making it an interesting stop for those visiting the Foz do Douro area.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farol_de_São_Miguel-o-Anjo

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