Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point), Lagos (must see)
An accident happened. It happened millions of years ago in the Miocene period. The remains of that accident can be seen today near the city of Lagos. There is a cape called Piety Point (Ponta da Piedade) extending into the sea and surrounded by rocky cliffs up to 65 feet in height. Locals revere and respect it. Tourists love it.
These rocky cliffs have what every cliff should have -- caves. Caves can be explored by land from Piety Point Lighthouse via stairs carved into the cliff face. Or, they can be explored by sea. Lagos marina provides excursions to the Piety Point by sail and small boat.
While the accident went on, waters covering the area of the point receded. The promontory was exposed and the rocks eroded into huge fantastical shapes. The area is truly a paleontological treasure trove. There are fossils of corals and marine life long extinct, including formidable looking shark's teeth.
Ancient Mediterranean people always thought of the sea as a god. Piety Point has traditionally been considered a sacred place. Bronze Age artifacts continue to be collected from the cape on land. Underwater, bits of the Roman presence may be found in the form of ruins and coins.
The hermitage of Our Lady of Piety (Nossa Senhora da Piedade) was built on the cape in the 16th century. There is a ceremonial path from the city of Lagos to the point called the Via Sacra. Along the way marks of the stations of the Cross are still standing.
The importance of the cape did not escape the military. It was a point of surveillance and high ground overlooking approaches from the sea. The army installed a battery there in 1663 and it did not come down until 1821, after Napoleon's busy time had ended. The chapel was demolished in 1913 to make way for the lighthouse.
In 2015 the Huffington Post visited 10 beaches around the planet. Piety Point was chosen as the favorite, based on its natural beauty and rock formations. Lonely Planet cited it as one of the ten natural wonders of Portugal.
Why You Should Visit:
Are there any romantic, exotic places like this out your way? Are there perfect beaches, crystal clear blue waters, mysterious caves? A seaside adventure you'll never forget? No? Que lastima! Exploring by boat is recommended.
Tips:
From Lagos there are one hour boat tours. The Piety Point can also be reached by train (slow) from Lagos.
These rocky cliffs have what every cliff should have -- caves. Caves can be explored by land from Piety Point Lighthouse via stairs carved into the cliff face. Or, they can be explored by sea. Lagos marina provides excursions to the Piety Point by sail and small boat.
While the accident went on, waters covering the area of the point receded. The promontory was exposed and the rocks eroded into huge fantastical shapes. The area is truly a paleontological treasure trove. There are fossils of corals and marine life long extinct, including formidable looking shark's teeth.
Ancient Mediterranean people always thought of the sea as a god. Piety Point has traditionally been considered a sacred place. Bronze Age artifacts continue to be collected from the cape on land. Underwater, bits of the Roman presence may be found in the form of ruins and coins.
The hermitage of Our Lady of Piety (Nossa Senhora da Piedade) was built on the cape in the 16th century. There is a ceremonial path from the city of Lagos to the point called the Via Sacra. Along the way marks of the stations of the Cross are still standing.
The importance of the cape did not escape the military. It was a point of surveillance and high ground overlooking approaches from the sea. The army installed a battery there in 1663 and it did not come down until 1821, after Napoleon's busy time had ended. The chapel was demolished in 1913 to make way for the lighthouse.
In 2015 the Huffington Post visited 10 beaches around the planet. Piety Point was chosen as the favorite, based on its natural beauty and rock formations. Lonely Planet cited it as one of the ten natural wonders of Portugal.
Why You Should Visit:
Are there any romantic, exotic places like this out your way? Are there perfect beaches, crystal clear blue waters, mysterious caves? A seaside adventure you'll never forget? No? Que lastima! Exploring by boat is recommended.
Tips:
From Lagos there are one hour boat tours. The Piety Point can also be reached by train (slow) from Lagos.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lagos. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point) on Map
Sight Name: Ponta da Piedade (Piety Point)
Sight Location: Lagos, Portugal (See walking tours in Lagos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Lagos, Portugal (See walking tours in Lagos)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Lagos, Portugal
Create Your Own Walk in Lagos
Creating your own self-guided walk in Lagos is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lagos Introduction Walking Tour
Lagos, from captive to captivating.
The story of Lagos is over 2,000 years old. It was a Celtic settlement before the Punic Wars of Rome and Carthage. During the Second Punic War the people of Lagos sided with Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That didn't work out so well. The Romans came, then the Visigoths from Toledo, followed by the Byzantines. In the 8th century the Moors arrived.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
The story of Lagos is over 2,000 years old. It was a Celtic settlement before the Punic Wars of Rome and Carthage. During the Second Punic War the people of Lagos sided with Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That didn't work out so well. The Romans came, then the Visigoths from Toledo, followed by the Byzantines. In the 8th century the Moors arrived.
... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Lagos Coastline Walk
Characterful and charming as it is, the historic city of Lagos on the Algarve coast of Southern Portugal has not succumbed to mass tourism, fortunately, retaining much of its distinctive centuries-old heritage. Lagos鈥檚 extensive history is reflected in the varied attractions found throughout the city, such as the ancient Moorish city walls, 17th-century Forte da Ponta da Bandeira and cobbled... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles