Tourist information - Lagos
Although the earthquake of 1755 caused great damage, the streets and squares of Lagos have retained much of the charm of a city hundreds of years old.
On the site of the old mediaeval town - area defined by the city walls and two streets (Rua de São Gonçalo and Rua 5 de Outubro) - the houses preserve much of its former character in the stonework around their windows and doors, in their wrought iron balconies, in the cool, shady areas created by the narrow streets, and in the patios where flowers, fig trees and vines are to be found growing.
The part of the city that grew up as a result of expansion between the 15th and 16th centuries has its heart in Praça Gil Eanes and in the meandering streets where tiles in the "art nouveau" style are to be found in grand houses with impressive façades and white walls broken only by the windows stonework. In Gil Eanes square, we can admire a marble statue made by the portuguese sculpter Cutileiro, has an homage to King Sebastião (1557-1578).
From Avenida dos Descobrimentos, on the other hand, it is possible to realize the profile of the city, to look out seawards to the far horizon, to watch the bustle of fishing boats and the shimmering masts of yachts mirrored in the still waters of the marina.