However, for the past two years the lighthouse has been
closed to the public, leaving hordes of tourists, who
especially made their way to Sagres disappointed,
worsened by the dilapidated state of the fortress.
Despite renovation works on the lighthouse supposedly
culminating in ‘July 2008', announced on a plaque
hanging on its gates, it has not yet reopened. It has
since been said to re-open next year.
In an equally precarious state is the fortress, which
is expected to receive a government cash injection of 10
million euros, to be transformed into an interactive
museum.
For this, a new company has been especially created
to oversee and manage the promotion of the landmarks.
PromoSagres will be responsible for elevating the
historical monuments to new heights, capturing their
former glory and popularity.
Correia Nunes, head of PromoSagres admits "it doesn't
make sense for a tourist to travel long distances to
Sagres to find the landmarks in this degraded state".
State Secretary for Tourism, Bernardo Trindade has
reaffirmed the government's promise to intervene by
announcing that works on the fortress will commence in
2008.
Still undecided is the future of the Beliche Forte,
which is also presently closed, though interest in
managing a reformation project has been shown by the
local Town Council.