Looking to the future while respecting the past

The Romans called it Lacóbriga, the Moors Zawaia, today everyone knows it for Lagos, the city that, besides sunshine and beaches, is home to more than 2000 years of history.

Lagos unites history, tradition and modernity in a variety of attractions that mark the identity of the city that may interest its visitors.

Monuments, a legacy of historical richness, public and urban art are just some of the many things that can be discovered in Lagos.

Lagos became Portuguese in 1249 after King D. Afonso III conquered it and Lagos was elevated to a city in 1573 by King D. Sebastião. The city was the starting point for the Discoveries, through Infante D. Henrique who consequently turned the place into a strategic location at a national level, to carry out commercial exchanges which brought prosperity, new architectural visions and a vast heritage to the city.

It is in the historic centre of Lagos that the legacy left by history is most visible. In the Church of Santo António, for example, the decoration of gilded carvings and tiles from the 18th century show the beauty of national sacred art that dates back to the time of gold exploration in the old Portuguese maritime provinces. At the end of Avenida dos Descobrimentos, which celebrates 60 years in 2020, the sea intersects with History from the Ponta da Bandeira Fort, an important military structure from the 17th century to the walls built in the reigns of D. Manuel I, D. João II and D. Filipe I. For those who like to appreciate architectural works, Praça do Infante is the ideal place, as it was there that the Church of Santa Maria was built. In the same place, you can also see the less positive side of history and visit the Museo Nucleus Mercado de Escravos.

The municipality is investing in culture through expansion works at the Municipal Museum Dr José Formosinho, for example, intending to offer visitors the best conditions in the History and Culture of the city of Lagos.

The narrow streets of the historic centre reflect a mysterious past, yet full of the hospitality of those who live there who are always ready to show a little bit of their cultural identity to whoever visits them.

Every visitor likes to know that during your visit you can enjoy the best of local cuisine. For this purpose, Lagos offers regional fish and snacks, in addition to recipes that have spanned generations, such as the Algarve regional sweet D. Rodrigo, which originated in Lagos in the 18th century and is still enjoyed by many.

Even though History is an important element of the city, Lagos is always ready to innovate and several works of urban art are scattered throughout the streets of the municipality, which aim to arouse emotions and the imagination of all those who set out on the adventure that is to visit Lagos.

In addition to everything mentioned, Lagos offers other attractions such as the Arco de São Gonçalo, the Centro Ciência Viva de Lagos, the São Sebastião Church, among others.