Forte da Ponta da Bandeira by Balam
Guarding the entrance to the Harbour is the Forte da Ponta da Bandeira " fort at the Flag point" who's real name is actually Fortaleza Nossa Senhora da Penha de franca which was constructed at the end of the 17th Century at the mouth of the river which flows around Lgos, The fort because of it's strategic position provides an ocean gateway defending the city of Lagos from attack by enemy ships entering the bay.Construction began about 1680 and finished in 1690 acording to the inscription in stone over the main door, also recording it's dedication to Soberana and Santa Virgem Senhora da penha do Franca, hence it's name. It is known locally as the Fortaleza da Ponta da Bandeira after the area in which it is situated.
This is certainly one of the best and most well preserved examples of this type of millitary fortification in the ancient kingdom of the Algarve, thanks mainly to restoration work carried out between 1958 and 1960
It is now used to house exhibitions and an entrance fee is currently charged at Euro 2.20