New Sagres Exhibition Centre

The Algarve region aims to increase the number of visitors to museums.

The Sagres Promontory Exhibition Centre, located in the Sagres fortress, is a symbol of the Discoveries. Opened this year, it is a project financed with European funds.

The Sagres fortress was recognised in 2015 as a European Heritage Site. This national monument, which in 2022 received more than 400,000 visitors, making it the most visited monument south of the River Tagus, is a vital reminder not only of maritime expansion but also of European culture and commerce. It gave European civilisation the global vision that was to define the modern world. 

The new multimedia exhibition centre received a total investment of €3,156,427, co-financed to the tune of €1,047,642 by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), through the CRESC ALGARVE 2020 operational programme and Public Investments of Tourist Interest for the Algarve (PIPITAL), following an application submitted by the Algarve Regional Directorate for Culture.

The funds covered the refurbishment of the building and the exhibition, which it is hoped will enhance the understanding and relevance of this monument in terms of its history, geography and connection to the region’s heritage by those who visit it. The aim of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission is to help increase the average number of museum visits per year from 586,334 visitors to 644,957 per year. 

promontoriodesagres.pt

Journey to the End of the Earth

A visit to the new exhibition centre at Sagres fort is a fascinating introduction to the history of Portuguese navigation and exploration. 

WORDS Susan Hollow

As a great colonial power with the advantage of being the furthest southwest point in Europe – Cape St Vincent was once believed to be the end of the earth – Portugal was well-placed to embark upon voyages of discovery. These voyages to Africa and South America brought back gold and treasures as well as new foods, plants and, unfortunately, slaves. 

The fort was originally built in the 15th century by Henry the Navigator, aka Infant D. Henrique and it was from here that he planned his expeditions. Henry is credited with inspiring navigators to travel to unknown lands, navigating by the stars, knowledge he gleaned from the Arab sailors. 

The fort was badly damaged by the major earthquake of 1755 and the following tsunami. The sea retreated 2.5 km before towering back to land, destroying anything in its path. The fort survived being atop a high cliff but we learned that fish were tossed over its walls. It was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century and again in the 20th century.

As nothing remains apart from the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Graça (which is locked), the first impression upon entering the fort through its massive walls is rather disappointing. However, we climbed the ramparts, which gave fantastic views of the coastline, before embarking on the circular walk around the promontory, where we could see intrepid fishermen standing on the edge of the cliff casting long lines down to the sea far below. Visitors are advised not to venture near the edge due to unstable cliffs, fishermen are killed each year, so be warned!

The walk is around a limestone rock pavement that has eroded due to the chemical reaction with rainwater. The result is some amazing sinkholes where you can hear the waves breaking far below. Along the route are storyboards with information about the flora and fauna and the migratory birds you may be lucky enough to spot.

The exhibition itself is brilliantly staged, with presentations in Portuguese and English, and we learnt a lot about the region’s history and culture. We thought the entry fee of €3 or €1.50 for seniors was a real bargain, but we would have liked a coffee shop to recover after such a fascinating experience.

So if you enjoy history, dramatic scenery and walking do go and visit this unique part of Portugal’s heritage.

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