Farol Santa Marta

Veronica Vleck

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The Santa Marta lighthouse complex in Cascais - which was inaugurated in 1867- was built on the grounds of a fort that dated back to the 1640s. It houses one of the few museums worldwide - and the only Portuguese museum that is dedicated to the history, heritage and technology of Portuguese lighthouses. This in fact is one of the most dangerous coasts in Europe- with over 20 lighthouses between Cabo da Roca and Lisbon. You can book to go up to the light deck of this lighthouse via the cascais cultural centre or within the museum. On the steps outside, if you look carefully, you will find the imprints of a chicken foot, a dog, and a cat in the cement floor outside the museum. These were put there for children to find, to commemorate the animals that the lighthouse keepers kept.

3 years ago