Visiting the interior of the iconic lighthouse at the mouth of the Tagus estuary is no longer a mirage: the Bugio, which for a long time allowed visits only once a year, now reveals all its secrets to those who take this trip.
Of the two options offered by the company Vá Bugiar!, we chose the longer boat tour, which departs from Cascais Marina, passes by the Santa Marta Lighthouse, and takes about 40 minutes to dock directly at the most mysterious circular stone structure at the capital’s maritime gateway—surrounded by the waters of the Tagus— the Bugio Lighthouse.
From a defensive fortress to a fortified wine cellar
Although it is known today for its lighthouse, this building was originally built for a different purpose.
The original structure was built as amilitary fortress, designed to protect the city of Lisbon, and was formally named the Fort of São Lourenço da Cabeça Seca.
The first settlement at the site dates back to 1601, but construction of the final fortress began only decades later, in 1643, by direct order of King João IV. The process proved to be lengthy and complex, requiring 14 years of construction work until its completion in 1657.
The origin of its common name rests on a curious explanation; according to oral tradition, anyone who spotted the fort in the distance noticed only the central tower rising up, which resembled the image of a lit candle. The association withthe French word“bougie”(candle) ultimately dictated the term that named the place forever.
Discover this and other interesting facts about the Bugio on this incredible journey along the Cascais Line to the lighthouse.
Beneath the tower and the central courtyard, the fort’s ancient, dark, and damp galleries hold a surprise. The space serves as a makeshift wine cellar, where several wooden barrels of fortified wines (liqueur-like and very similar to muscatels) are aging in this secluded environment, making this drink an exclusive item, with the price of half a liter reaching 250 euros (in one of the vintages).
The lighthouse keeper’s house and the marks of time
Climbing the interior stone steps, the path leads to the old quarters that ensured the continuous operation of the maritime signaling equipment.
However, the lighthouse keeper’s house stands in stark contrast to the fort’s solid exterior. The interior is markedly dilapidated, with crumbling stucco revealing the supporting walls, worn woodwork, and caution tape blocking access to some damaged rooms.
There are other rooms and open areas you can visit at the Bugio Lighthouse, such as a small chapel or the entire surrounding area (which is huge). Are you going to take this trip?
Despite the structural wear and tear on the dwellings of those who once lived there, the imposing circular fortification stands firm against the waves, maintaining its centuries-old role as a stone sentinel where the waters meet.
Useful information:
Address: Santa Marta + Bugio on Avenida Marginal (CORAL BOATS Store, Cascais Marina, Pavilion 1); Bugio (Aquastart Store, Praia da Torre, Store C14)
Schedules: weekends
Tickets: at Fever (Santa Marta + Bugio or Bugio only)
