Forte de São Luís de Almádena sits on a rocky promontory, midway between the villages of Burgau and Saleema, in the western Algarve. The fort was built in 1632, by order of King João III, in order to protect the local tuna fishing community from raids by corsairs and pirates. It was finally abandoned in 1849, after sustaining considerable damage in the earthquake of 1755. The ruins include 2 ramparts, a moat, gates and a barracks.
I considered myself very fortunate to discover these ruins. We’d been strolling on the golden beach at Burgau, and as we left the village a sign pointed along the coast towards them. A slight change of plan and 5 minutes later we were there. In golden silence we surveyed the coast in all directions. As I shielded my eyes from the glare of the sun, I was sure I spotted the masts of a pirate ship.
You’ll realise, of course, that it’s a Thursday and we’re all waiting for Paula to come back and be Special, as she always is.
restlessjo 
You always find the most marvelous places, Jo, but then I think most everything in Portugal is marvelous. 🙂
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Even the ruins 🙂 🙂
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Looks like a dream that one does not want to wake up from. Beautiful, Jo! Thank you so much.
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You’re very welcome. darlin. Hope you’re ‘good to go’ 🙂 🙂
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to go where?
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Probably that awful place you work 😦 😦 Did you have a good holiday/escape?
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If I get my photos back I will be able to say that it was a terrific holiday. We had many obstacles on the way, but I loved it.
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Sounds like a story or two. Keeping my fingers crossed for you xxx
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Thank you, Jo. All hubby’s fault for freaking out at the security check 😀
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What would we do without them? Night, darlin! XX
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Night, Jo!
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Magnificent ruins Jo, sometimes those unexpected side tracks can lead to pure pleasure. The views are incredible
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I love the Algarve coastline, Pauline. It’s so varied! Given the opportunity I would follow every single cart track, but a certain person frowns somewhat on that kind of behaviour. 🙂 🙂 He indulged me because it was my birthday.
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Well it will always be another day another cart track Jo when you move over there…
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Whaf a treat to find these ruins and so glad you followed the sign! The views are stunning and you can see why they built it there – perfect positioning! Ahh…yes…methinks I spy a ship or two in that glare as well! 😀😀 Happy exploring, Jo. Xx
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You just have to shade your eyes and look hard and it’s there, Annika. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, darlin! Armchair exploring this morning.
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Amazing setting Jo – looks the perfect spot for a fortress! A pity it was destroyed in an earthquake – must have been a very powerful one! I could gaze out at the sea for hours at those beautiful views 🙂
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The earthquake in 1755 devastated much of the Algarve, Rosemay. It must have been a whopper! There’s something about a seascape, isn’t there? 🙂 🙂 Sunday hugs, though I know your day is almost over, as mine begins.
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Admittedly, I had to go back through your post a second time to read it because I was so distracted by all the ‘eye-candy’ 😍📸 in your post the first time through. Lots of oohs and ahs here at my kitchen table this morning
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Sometimes you don’t need to read, Lisa. Just gazing is enough. 🙂 🙂 Hope you are well, love?
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All good. Mom back home recovering like a 30 year old. I’m back at the boat readying for our next adventure ⛵️
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Excellent! 🙂 🙂
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Beautiful views there! Looks like I’ve missed so much. 😦
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It’s a beautiful part of the world, and one I’ve come to call home, so maybe I’m a little prejudiced 🙂 🙂
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Home is where the heart is and your posts show why! 🙂 🙂 I get your feeling!
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I’d love to sit on top of those cliffs, maybe in the shade of a crumbling wall, and stare out over the watery horizon. Beautiful photos, Jo, and a lovely place for contemplating and enjoying the area in peace.
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It’s a lovely spot, Liesbet. I was so happy to come across it. Thanks so much! 🙂 🙂
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That sounds like a fun day, Jo. Exploring ruins along the coast. Yes, please!
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It was my birthday jaunt, Cheryl, and I had a fabulous day. 🙂 🙂
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Fantastic sweeping bays under the blue sky, and I always love shots peeping through walls etc. So you didn’t know this place was here? What a lucky find!
I hope you’ve adjusted back to the chilly north babe, it’s even cold down here today and I haven’t been outside at all. Happy weekend x:-)x
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I imagine you are crafting away at this time of year, Gilly? The pavements were sparkling away with frost this morning as I swift walked to zumba, but I’ve been cosied up this afternoon. Nope- we were heading along the coast when I saw the sign and we just had to look. 🙂 🙂
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What a fascinating history to accompany such an ancient fortress! I absolutely love it when I “accidentally” discover a place or historical site, or maybe just a surprise in natural beauty, but someplace I didn’t know until I rounded a particular corner or walked just a little bit further than I anticipated. I could feel your delight in coming upon this fascinating place. I think I spied the pirates, too!
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I just knew there were pirates out there, Debbie! 🙂 🙂 The setting is tailor made, and yes- truly a delight to come upon. Thank you for joining me in my mischief. 🙂
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Hey!Congratulations you have been nominated for Liebster Award 2k17.It doesn’t matter if you a , great blogger , has already received it . It was my token of love for you❤
Those who were not nominated.. You could always answer those questions asked by me!!
Meraki Forever…
https://merakiforever.wordpress.com/2017/11/24/liebster-award-2k17/
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Many thanks for thinking of me, Rida. I shall come and check out your questions soon. Have a great weekend! 🙂 🙂
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🙌🙌Happy I Am..
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A site of ruins
That
With your ever-quite-naturally honest touch
Makes me think
Of what once it had been 🙂
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I’m delighted with your poetic comment, so thank you very much. 🙂 🙂 It’s great to have your company in gazing at the past.
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Woke to a blanket of frost this morning and it’s another chilly night. Your gorgeous Algarve photos make me yearn for blue skies and sunshine!
Susan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
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Same here, Susan, but it turned out to be a lovely bright day if you were well wrapped up. 🙂 🙂 Thanks, hon!
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