Portugal: Fortress, Lighthouse, and Huge Waves in Sagres – VIDEO

The fortress in Sagres has stood at least since the 16th century. But it is very likely that because of the strategic location of the cape for military purposes have been used by ancient sailors. This is where the imaginary border between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1578, the famous navigator Sir Francis Drake was severely damaged in the attack. The current appearance is based mainly on the following years, the repair was completed in 1632.

Currently, you can see the original fortress, which can be considered a small miracle. The whole of the Portuguese coast is affected by severe erosion and strength in Sagres is no exception. It is only through extensive research in the 1990s and repair work that will probably never end that most historic buildings are protected from collapsing into the sea.

Ponta de Sagres lighthouse from 1960 is also a part of the complex. Next to it is a unique concrete “snail” with a vent from a cave in a cliff. The building amplifies the sound of the waves coming from underneath, even under normal conditions it will be a powerful experience.

But a few days before my visit, there were strong storms throughout the region, even though the sun was shining all day, the ocean still retained incredible strength. The waves reached the top of some 70 meters high cliffs. It gave me not only an incredible spectacle, but forever I will remember mainly the sound of a huge mass of water breaking against the rocks and colliding with another wave. In the concrete auger, the power of sound literally vibrated the entire space.

I can highly recommend visiting Sagres even in normally beautiful weather and calm ocean. But if you can come to watch the storm waves, you will not regret it.

GPS: 37°00'07.7"N 8°56'49.5"W

Text, photos, and video: Matouš Vinš