Fortaleza (Fort) de Sagres, Portugal
Posted by: 
garmin_geek
N 37° 00.066 W 008° 56.883
29S E 504622 N 4094995
The fortress was originally built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 17th and 18th centuries. Protected by the sea cliffs on three sides.
Waymark Code: WM5PBX
Location: Portugal
Date Posted: 01/29/2009
Views: 33
The 'Wind Rose' (Rosa dos Ventos) is a large circle (140 feet in diameter - 40 meters) marked out with 48 radiating points in stone. Its purpose is still unclear. The old cannons on the site were used to protect the beaches of Tonel and Mareta. The 'Church of Our Lady of Favour' is perhaps the only remaining original building, the walls having been destroyed in various maritime battles.
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The construction of Sagres Fortress was ordered by Henry the Navigator in the 15th century, to provide some assistance to seamen in Sagres region.
The Sagres region started to gain strategic importance to the Portuguese kingdom: this was an important spot for commercial watercrafts that did the connection between the Mediterranean and the North Atlantic, and also for the proximity with North Africa.
The original structure of the Fort has been changed all over the centuries. Only in the end of the 18th century was the Fort considered finished. At that time Sagres Fort was the centre of a strategic defensive line, over the western coast of the Algarve that counted with other fortitudes such as Baleeira, Beliche, São Vicente, Carrapateira and Arrifana.
With a magnificent view over the ocean, the inlet of Mareta and São Vicente Cape, one can visit the vestiges of the walls (and the old village built before these walls) from the 18th century, and a giant windrose with a diameter of more than 40m(131ft) outlined on the ground.
On the 1990’s some conservation and restoration works are made in the Fort, some of them quite controversial, creating an Exhibition Centre, a Multimedia Centre and shops for promotion and advertisement of cultural products and also a coffee shop, in order to generate goods for the self-maintenance of the Monument.
Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça
The year the "Fort" was constructed or started.: 1650
Name of "Country" or "Nation" that constructed this "Fort": Portogal
Was this "Fort" involved in any armed conflicts?: Yes it was
What was the primary purpose of this "Historic Fort"?: For protecting a travel or shipping route
Current condition: Restoration began in 1990s. In about 75% condition
This site is administered by ----: Portugal
If admission is charged -: 3.00 (listed in local currency)
Open to the public?: Open or unrestricted access.
Official or advertised web-page: Not listed
Link to web-site that best describes this "Historic Fort": Not listed
Link if this "Fort" is registered on your Countries/ State "Registry of Historical Sites or Buildi: Not listed
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