History Sagres Point

martinhal islets, @ sagres harbor entrance.



tonel beach in sagres

there question whether sagres point, name derives sacrum promontorium, or neighboring cape st. vincent, ancient sacred promontory. strabo believed promontory westerly point of whole inhabited world. in fact cape st. vincent more westerly, because further north, , strabo s map of iberian peninsula rotated clockwise, bringing pyrenees north-south line, have been taken further east. westerly point of iberian peninsula , of european continent cabo da roca, near sintra; southernmost, punta de tarifa, in andalusia.

strabo reports (book 3.1.4) follows:

the region adjacent cape call in latin tongue cuneum, signifies wedge. promontory projects sea, artemidorus (who states has himself been @ place) compares ship; 3 little islands, each having small harbour, contribute give form; former island resembling beak of ship, , 2 latter beams on each side of ship s bows ... there no temple of hercules shown there, ephorus falsely states, nor yet altar nor other divinity; in many parts there 3 or 4 stones placed together, turned travellers arrive there, in accordance local custom, , changed in position such turn them incorrectly. not lawful offer sacrifice there, nor yet approach place during night, said gods take abode @ place. go thither view stay @ neighbouring village overnight, , proceed place on morrow, carrying water them, there none procured there.

no part of cape st. vincent fits description, on eastern side of sagres point harbor, baleeira, port of modern town of sagres, protected 4 small islands in line (the tiny martinhal islets) visible in satellite imagery. @ far eastern end of beach of martinhal, erosion of cliffs has exposed series of roman pottery kilns fabricating transport amphoras , roof tiles.

henry navigator

cannon inside fortress

when infante dom henry navigator commenced explorations, initiate portuguese age of discoveries, @ vila infante, sagres peninsula lacked necessary requirements such large undertakings. fresh water scarce, agriculture minimal, there shortage of wood shipbuilding, no deep-water landing site, , population small. henry re-populated village called terçanabal, had been deserted due continuous pirate attacks on coast. village situated in strategic position maritime enterprises , later called vila infante.

henry navigator employed cartographers, such jehuda cresques, him chart coast of mauretania in wake of voyages had caused made there. engaged expert map , instrument-maker, jayme of majorca, captains might have best nautical information. led legend of nautical school of sagres (although school means group of followers). there no centre of navigational science or supposed observatory, if compared modern definition of observatory or navigational centre . centre of expeditions @ lagos, further east along algarve coast. later portuguese voyages left belém, west of lisbon.

plaque honoring henry navigator, erected united states power squadrons.



sagres, portugal

this time of many important discoveries: cartography being refined use of newly devised instruments, such improved astrolabe , improved sundial, maps regularly being updated , extended, , revolutionary type of vessel known caravel designed.

prince henry built chapel next house in 1459, began spend more time in sagres area in later years. died @ sagres on 13 november 1460.

the exact location of henry’s school of navigation not known (it popularly believed have been destroyed 1755 lisbon earthquake).