Lagos Fortress (Forte da Ponta da Bandeira), & Castelo dos Governadores, Lagos
The Ponta da Bandeira (aka Lagos Fort or the Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França) stands on the seafront in the old town of Lagos on the Algarve.
Another historic fortress nearby is the Castelo dos Governadores first built by the Moors and strengthened after the Reconquista. It was from the Manueline Window here that Dom Sebastião addressed his troops before leading them to disaster at the Battle of Alcácer-Quibir in Morocco in 1578.
History
The Ponta da Bandeira fortress was constructed in the 17th century (around 1690) and is entered through a drawbridge over a moat.
The stone castle was built to protect the town and the coast of the Algarve from pirate raids. The picturesque fort now houses a small museum on Portugal's maritime history in particular the Age of Discovery.
Also inside is a azulejos-lined shrine dedicated to St Barbara, a possibly mythical 3rd century saint who is the patron of workers engaged with explosives: such as miners, gunners, armorers etc. One of the gates is named after the patron saint of the city, São Gonçalo de Lagos (1360-1422), whose statue stands outside.
In later centuries the fort was occupied by the military with restoration work carried out in the 1950's and 1960's.
There are excellent views from the battlements out to sea.
Access & Hours
Cais da Solaria
Lagos 8600-645
Tel: 282 761 410
Small entrance fee.
The interior hosts regular art exhibitions by local artists.
Nearby
Within easy walking distance of the fort is the Igreja de Santa Maria, the Slave Market Museum (Mercado de Escravos) and the Museu Municipal Dr. Jose Formosinho (Museu Regional de Lagos), which includes the Igreja de Santo António.
The Museu de Cera dos Descobrimentos (Portuguese Discoveries Wax Museum) at the Lagos Marina is on the other side of the Bensafrim River, close to Lagos Station.
