Farol da Ponta do Altar

The descriptive report for the lighthouse was submitted by Ricardo Peyroteu in 1884. The project cost was estimated at 2 contos de réis, plus additional funds for unforeseen expenses. The 1883 General Plan proposed a harbour light at Ponta da Piedade and a fixed red 5th‑order light for Lagos Bay. The Ponta do Altar Lighthouse was established in 1893 with a 10 m tower at 32 m elevation and a 5th‑order petroleum lamp giving a fixed white light. In 1921, land was added for a cistern and structural repairs. The light became acetylene‑powered in 1954, and its character changed to red occulting in 1948. The station was connected to the public grid in 1976 but remained gas‑lit until 1983, when it received a mixed electric/gas changer. It was automated in 1992, renovated in 1999, and in 2001 its light changed to white with a 16‑mile range.