VILA DO BISPO / SAGRES
Sixty percent of the Vila do Bispo area is located within the Natural Park of this coastline and due to it’s geographical location, is the only council in the Algarve with two coasts, the Southern and the Western. Located in this borough is the village of Sagres, which was undoubtedly a reference point and Portuguese symbol of the Discoveries and also the Nautical School, founded by Infante D. Henrique. Its fortress was built in 1453 to defend the village and protect the coast from the Moorish attacks; however, the fortress was later destroyed by 800 British pirates under the orders of Sir Francis Drake and totally rebuilt again in the 17th century. Inside we can observe a magnificent circle with a diameter of 48 metres, split into 48 segments. It is believed to be a sort of sailor’s compass card from the Discovery period, may have been built during Infante D. Henrique’s lifetime.
Cape St. Vincent is the most westerly point in Europe and in the olden days, it used to be known as ‘The end of the world’. The Romans used to call it ‘Premontorium Sacrum’, which means scared cape and was the origin of the current name ‘Sagres’.
From the lighthouse – considered the most powerful in Europe, as it´s light reaches a distance of 90 kilometres, and near to Cape St. Vincent - one can enjoy the most stunning view of the coastline.
Places to visit:
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Igreja Matriz (Matriz Church) in Vila do Bispo – which dates back to the 18th century and hás a small religious art museum.
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Igreja Matriz (Matriz Church) – in Raposeira from the 18th century.
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Grutas do monte Francês (French Hill Caves).
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The Sagres Fortress – dated from the 15th century (in Sagres).
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Cape St.Vincent – with it´s lighthouse
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Beliche in Sagres – where one can visit the ruins of the fortress and St.Anthony´s Chapel.
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Beaches-Southern Coast: Beliche, Tonel, Mareta, Balieira, Martinhal, Barranco das Canas, Ingrina, Figueira, Furnas, Boca do Rio, Salema, Burgau.
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Beaches-Western Coast: Telheiro, Ponta Ruiva, Castelejo, Cordoama, Barriga, Mirouço, Murração.
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