The construction of the Fortress of Sagres began in 1443 by the initiative of Infante D. Henrique, when he took possession of the territories around Cabo de São Vicente, to build here a village to support the navigation along this area of the Algarve coast.
The Fortification had three artillery batteries, one facing east, one facing west and one at the southern end. Its function was to protect the coast and control maritime navigation along the Atlantic-Mediterranean axis.
Inside the Plaza de Armas there is the church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, a cistern, vestiges of the old buildings of the initial construction of “Vila do Infante”, later converted into barracks and the house of military governors, the so-called “Rosa-dos- Ventos”, the old warehouse and stables (current auditorium) and a set of batteries equipped with cannons, arranged around the fortress.
The first naval school in the world was created in this fortress, the Escola Náutica de Sagres, also the result of the initiative of Infante D. Henrique, whose objective was to train the navigators who were at his service, both national and foreign, with knowledge of cartography, geography, astronomy, mathematics and navigation techniques. At this time, Sagres was home to many wise men, captains and experienced sailors. This school was also responsible for the development and construction of different instruments and navigation methods used throughout the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal was at the forefront in this area.
The Fortress of Sagres lost its military function at the beginning of the 20th century and has undergone 2 restoration works since then.
A beautiful place to visit and almost mandatory to anyone interested in history and culture!
Photo credits: Vila do Bispo Municipality.
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