Sagres Map
The village of Sagres in the district of Vila do Bispo is situated on Europe’s most south-western corner near Cabo do São Vicente.
Due to its position on the southern side of the cape, Sagres is well protected against the rough Atlantic Ocean and strong westerly winds. It was this exposed location that made Sagres the starting point of numerous expeditions during past centuries. The age of the Portuguese Discoveries began back in the 15th century, initiated by Henry the Navigator. .
The Fortaleza de Sagres (Fortress of Sagres), located south-west of Sagres on a small headland about 1 km in length, is a monument of national importance. After passing through the thick tunnel entrance, one sees a giant pebble circle , detected only in 1921, of unknown age and purpose. The circle with a diameter of 43m is interpreted as a compass rose (Rosa dos Ventos). Normally compass roses are divided into 32 segments, but strangely this one has 40 segments, so it could also have been a sundial. Most likely it dates back to the time of Henry the Navigator.
Free Sagres Map (1.5 MiB, 41 hits)
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