Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum, Cascais

Constructed in 1868, the Santa Marta Lighthouse is a striking quadrangular tower adorned with white tiles, featuring distinctive blue horizontal stripes and a vibrant red lantern. The lighthouse was built within the grounds of the Santa Marta Fort, which has since been transformed into a captivating museum, preserving the rich history of the area.

Originally built in the 1640s to protect the Cascais Bay from potential invaders, the Santa Marta Fort underwent several expansions and improvements over the years. In the 18th century, significant enhancements were made to the fortress, including widening the parapet and expanding the battery spaces and quarters. However, by 1864, the fort was deemed no longer necessary for military purposes, leading to the decision to repurpose the site as a lighthouse.

The Santa Marta Lighthouse commenced its operations in 1867, serving as an essential navigational aid for ships along the Cascais coast. Over time, various modifications and upgrades were implemented to enhance its functionality. The original fixed red light was replaced by a 5th-order, fixed-light catadioptric system in 1908. The tower's height was increased by 8 meters in 1936 to overcome obstructions caused by nearby buildings. Subsequent advancements included the electrification of the lamp in 1953 and the installation of an automatic light source backup system. The lighthouse was fully automated between 1980 and 1981, integrating it into the telecontrol network of the Port of Lisbon.

In July 2007, after years of restoration efforts, the Santa Marta Fort and Lighthouse Museum were reopened to the public. This unique museum showcases the fusion of a working lighthouse with a curated collection that delves into Portugal's lighthouse heritage.

The exhibition space is divided into two rooms within the former residences of the lighthouse keepers. Room 1 explores the history of Portuguese lighthouses, featuring informative displays on the technological advancements used in these navigational aids. Notably, the exhibition showcases large Fresnel lenses, including the towering optical apparatus from the Berlenga Lighthouse.

Room 2 focuses on the Santa Marta Lighthouse's evolution from a fort to a fully functioning lighthouse. Visitors can delve into the experiences of the lighthouse keepers through artifacts and a detailed keeper's diary, documenting foggy days and illuminated nights. Additionally, the museum offers a multilingual documentary film titled "The Lighthouses of Portugal - 5 centuries of history," which provides an engaging narrative through the testimonies of lighthouse keepers.

Beyond the museum exhibits, visitors can explore the batteries of the old fort, savoring panoramic views of the sea and the Bay of Cascais. Guided tours of the lighthouse are available, offering a captivating glimpse into the inner workings and history of this maritime icon.

The Santa Marta Lighthouse Museum stands as a testament to Portugal's maritime heritage, offering an immersive journey into the world of lighthouses. It serves as a reminder of the invaluable role these structures played in ensuring the safety of seafarers and the significance of preserving this rich legacy for future generations.