HISTORIC LAGOS

October 2007. This is the 5th article in the Portugal series.

My favorite spot in the entire Algarve is Lagos, a fishing port of about 27,000 between Portimão and the western end of the province. It has a long history, with occupations by the Carthaginians, Romans and (until 1241) the Moors. Today it has a bit of everything – a sheltered marina, natural beauty, a leisurely lifestyle, historical artifacts, good shopping, a fort, water sports, ultralite flights, and some two dozen golf courses in the surrounding area. ... (more)

location of Lagos
Chances are that when you hear the name you automatically think of the very...

It's a compact town ...
… just perfect for leisurely strolling and shopping.

seaside promenade
Having walked it several times, I’d say it’s about a kilometer in...

fort Ponta da Bandeira
(Flag Point) This was one of several forts built during the 17th century to...

remnants of the walls ...
… built around the town nearly a millennium ago by the Moors. The 1755...

the great man himself
This statue of Prince Henry the Navigator stands just outside the longest...

entrance through ...
… the thick walls. This will give you an idea of how solid and...

The western world’s …
… first slave market (1444) stood approximately at this spot. I say...

a typical back street

Santo Antonio chapel (1715)
From the street the building looks quite ordinary, but the pictures...

view from centre ...
… of the chapel. There are no seats or pews. The lower parts of...

the altar and retable
Look at that gold leaf, and the craftsmanship! That’s not unique in...

statue of Saint Anthony
Note that he is wearing the sash of a Brigadier General, a tribute to...

Baroque paintings …
… of the Saint’s life line the walls on both sides of the chapel....

Azulejos, paintings …
… and “talha dourada” (gilded hand-carved wood) – all are...

detail of ''talha dourada''

looking up …
… past the choir loft toward the ceiling. The latter was painted in...

Ponta da Piedade
(Piety Point) These multi-coloured sandstone formations are located about two...

The stairs ...
… have been built to permit complete access by visitors. As you can see,...

They go right down ...
… to the water’s edge, in three sections. There are observation...

at the water's edge

a typical secluded beach
This is one of several along the route from town to the Point. The...

another view

Praia Camilo
It and neighbouring Praia Dona Ana are considered two of the most...

a nearby fishermen's beach

article published 10/29/2007

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Thank you!
Yes Lagos is definitely a very beautiful place. I love the chapel and the historic structures. They remind me of some great Brazilian colonial cities. The interesting rock formation is very nice as well.
— Ben Hsu, October 31, 2007

...ready to explore underwater caves...
Hi Fred, another interesting and very informative travel report. I like your photos which show the stunning rock formations, awesome beaches, beautifully transparent waters. and picturesque town. This place is very inviting to anyone with camera or ready to explore underwater caves. Greetings, Rafal
— Rafal K Komierowski, October 31, 2007

Hi, Fred: Thnks, it looks wonderful, I can see myself on some of those beaches. Loved the photo of Myrt at Lagos. Take care of yourself. Eleanor
— Elelanor, October 31, 2007

Thanks,Fred, for such awesome pictures: the chapel is so entriguing - all the ornate decore! And, the history is so informative.- Barbara
— Barbara, October 30, 2007

Those photos are absoultely stunning! What a spectacular place, I can't believe how gorgeous the churches, water and beaches are. I will HAVE to go to Lagos one day and see it with my own eyes, good photographing Grampa :)!
— Misty, October 30, 2007

HISTORIC LAGOS
WOW....AWESOME, MAGNIFICENT..San Atonio Chapel breath taking. We almost felt as if we were there on the "creation of God's" beautiful beaches. thanks again for sharing such photography and knowledge on Historic Lagos....cheers...Tish and Ray
— Ray & Tish Tessier, October 30, 2007

Thanks so much, Fred, for the interesting history and wonderful pictures! I know I will look at these, more than once, and try to forward them to good friends, who live in Lisbon!!
— Eleanor Robb, October 30, 2007

WOW What Fantastic Far Flung Fotos
I can't believe the artistry, intricacy, opulence and beauty of that San Atonio Chapel. No wonder you were so taken by this area. Your historical information is amazing and the beaches just gorgeous. This place sounds like a real gem. How shocking that 4 million slaves were sold there. Thanks for keeping my grey cells challenged. Nanci
— Nanci Phelan, October 29, 2007

aha.....
I vividly remember this place :) esp the slave market square, the seaside promenade, the ornate chapel, & the Ponte de Piedad... I also remember those orange pots. They were traps for catching some kind of seafood but I forget which. Do you remember? Aha, now I remember, they are octopus pots ;)
— Lorraine Brecht, October 29, 2007

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