Sagres Point, Coastal promontory in southwestern Algarve, Portugal
Sagres Point is a coastal promontory in southwestern Portugal that juts dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean. The site features a fortress built on an elevated plateau surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs that drop straight into the sea.
In the 15th century, Portuguese Prince Henry established a maritime center at this location to advance naval exploration. The site became a hub for Portuguese navigators preparing expeditions into distant waters.
The stone compass rose inside the fortress spans 43 meters in diameter, demonstrating Portugal's early commitment to maritime navigation and exploration.
The site is accessible by foot via a walking path that leads from the town of Sagres up to the promontory. Clear weather provides the best views of the cliffs and the surrounding Atlantic coastline.
The fortress required only one defensive wall on the landward side, as the other three sides are protected by sheer vertical cliffs. This natural geography made it an easier location to defend historically.
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