Sightseeing in Lagos - what to see. Complete travel guide

Lagos is a city in Portugal. This is a widely known resort on the southern coast of Algarve approximately 35 kilometers away from south-west point of Europe – Saint Vincent Cape. Initially Lagos was the destination of marine voyages headed by Gilles Eanesh (his monument is still installed in Lagos). Just like the rest of the country, Lagos was severely damaged by the earthquake in 1755. The renovation began only in XIX century.

Today Lagos attracts people by its primordial architecture and charm, amazing southern beaches like Praia do Pinhao Meia Praia and wide sand region of east. Tourists can enjoy sunbathing while active rest fans can ride a bicycle, a motorbike, make a horse ride or rent a cutter.

You should also walk on the coastline, observe fort and town’s walls, and an old city. Tourists will find particular interest in visiting the Square of Republic, Baroque Church Santa Antonio that is decorated with luxurious carvings with gilding, ancient St. Sebastian Church, Carno Church (this is a fragment of a monastery that is now in ruins), Santa Maria church, city’s Municipal Museum that gathers exhibitions of local handcrafts, religious priceless items, and preserved embryos of different animals. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Lagos is a cozy town with paved streets, large choice of ceramic shops and cafes. In these cafes you can always try the products created by local confectionery. Among them are marchpanes (handmade cakes with almond), pineapple cakes, patties with sweet potato and much more.

Besides this Lagos is an important international sailing center.

On the territory of the historical district is located the Kaza- dash-Arkadash building, where a customs checkpoint was located several hundred years ago. Now, the historical building has been converted into the Center for Folk Crafts. It often hosts interesting exhibitions, and organizes master classes. Many of the art masterpieces presented in this center can be bought by visitors.

The symbolic historical monument is Forte Bandeira. It is located near the beach of Caís da Solaria. This fort was built in 1683 and for hundreds of years, protected the harbor from pirates. It was perfectly preserved to our days. Today, the historical building also houses an exhibition hall, in which local artists and photographers present their works. One of the towers of the fort is equipped with an observation deck, accessible for visits every day.

A peculiar city attraction is the Gil de Ince Square, surrounded by picturesque historic buildings. In the daytime, it does not represent anything special. It is an ordinary area, where tourists and locals go for walks. In the evening however, the area changes beyond recognition. Street performers, musicians and dancers conduct interesting performances. Also, fairs and gastronomic festivities are often held on the square. On the day of important football matches, large screens are always installed on this square.

In Lagos, there is a very interesting Local History Museum, which will allow you to get acquainted with the culture and history of the local population. The opening of this museum took place in 1934. It contains a rich collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits, as well as ancient coins and samples of rare minerals. The founder of this museum is the famous Portuguese archaeologist Jose Formosinho. He found many of the exhibits presented here during the expeditions, personally.

There are several ancient religious monuments in the city, among them the beautiful Igreja de Santa Maria Church. It was built in the 15th century. During the years of its existence, this church has changed a lot. Its last major reconstruction took place in the 18th century. Nevertheless, the wooden portal from the first church managed to be preserved completely. Now in the walls of this miniature church, you can see many interesting religious values.