Forte Ponta da Bandeira

Forte Ponta da Bandeira - Lagos visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Forte Ponta da Bandeira' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Algarve.

Forte Ponta da Bandeira is a popular attraction in Lagos on the Algarve. This 17th century, stone, coastal fort stands at the entrance to the harbour, overlooking the mouth of the Bensafrim river. The fort was built between 1679 and 1690 during the Restoration War.

During the Spanish occupation of Portugal, the Algarve coast was often attacked by the British and Lagos, being close to Cadiz, was attacked by Sir Francis Drake in the 1580's and the coastline was vulnerable to pirates. This pressure, combined with naval attacks during the Portuguese Restoration War, led to a series of coastal forts being built along the Algarve.

Forte Ponta da Bandeira is open to the public, accessed over a small drawbridge. Inside is a small 18th century chapel, covered with azulejos (Portuguese tiles). There are good views over the harbour from the bulwarks. The fort was protected by a series of six batteries called Bateria do Pinhão, Bateria de Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Drums of Our Lady of Mercy) Bateria do Porto de Mós,
Bateria de São Luís de Almádena (Battery St Louis Almádena), Bateria de Vera Cruz da Figueira and Bateria do Zavial. The fort was restored around 1960 and some of the rooms now house exhibitions and naval displays.

Forte Ponta da Bandeira is also sometimes called 'Forte do Registo', 'Forte do Pau da Bandeira' or 'Forte de Nossa Senhora da Penha de França' (after Santa Virgem Senhora da Penha de França).

Forte da Ponta da Bandeira
Cais da Solaria
8600-645 Lagos
Portugal