Lagoa’s recently-restored Torre da Lapa watchtower is in the process of being classified as a Monument of Public Interest (Monumento de Interesse Público, or MIP).
The bid for classification is under public consultation until October 25 and has so far received ‘thumbs up’ from the Department of Architectural and Archaeological Heritage of the National Culture Council and Portugal’s General Director of Cultural Heritage Paula Araújo da Silva.
Citizens can also make suggestions or provide their opinions before the final decision is made by the Secretary of State for Culture.
The initial plan was to classify the watchtower as a Monument of Municipal Interest, but the Algarve’s Regional Culture Board suggested bidding for the more important National Interest recognition.
If the bid is successful, Torre da Lapa will become the fourth monument in Lagoa to boast national interest classification, alongside the São João do Arade Castle in Ferragudo, the Matriz Church in Estômbar and the Nossa Senhora da Rocha Fort and Chapel in Porches.
The iconic tower, believed to be around 400 years old, is considered one of the borough’s most important and historic structures. It once served as a key lookout and was used to send smoke signals and warn populations about pirates and other looters.
michael.bruxo@algarveresident.com
