Farol de Nazaré

Located at the tip of the promontory, it is an old coastal defense fort, in Mannerist style, with an irregular plan adapted to the terrain on which it sits.

The construction of this monument began during the reign of D. Sebastião, in 1577, with the aim of defending the cove from attacks by Algerian, Moroccan, Dutch and Norman pirates who invested on the Atlantic coast.

In 1644, and due to its position, King João IV, the Restorer, ordered its remodeling and expansion. As a vigilant sentry of the fortress stood Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of many sanctuaries, generally built in high places.

Since December 1, 1903, a navigation aid light has been installed here. It is currently the privileged viewpoint over the big waves of Praia do Norte and deserves a careful visit. Inside it houses the Canhão da Nazaré Interpretive Center, the Surfer Wall and temporary exhibitions.