Sines Attractions
Once an unassuming little fishing town in a rocky bay on a dune fringed stretch of Portugal's southern coast, Sines has grown since the early 1970s to become one of the country's biggest ports and industrial centers (industry park, with oil refinery), although it has only been possible to achieve part of the ambitious plans for the town and it can quite happily be omitted from a tour of Portugal.
Sines is the birthplace of Vasco da Gama (1469-1524), discoverer of the sea route to India in 1497/98.
The house where Vasco da Gama was born has been reconstructed as a museum.
Sines is the birthplace of Vasco da Gama (1469-1524), discoverer of the sea route to India in 1497/98.
The house where Vasco da Gama was born has been reconstructed as a museum.
Cabo de Sines
The Cabo de Sines, a 56m/184ft high headland, with a lighthouse, extends into the Atlantic west of the town.
Castelo
There is a fine view from the recently restored 13th C. castle, which contains a small museum.
Igreja Matriz
In the parish church (Igreja Matriz) are the relics of St Torpes, said to have been found on an abandoned ship which ran aground here in A.D. 45.
Nossa Senhora das Salas
Above the port is the fishermen's chapel of Nossa Senhora das Salas. The original chapel, built in 1335, was completely renovated by Vasco da Gama after his discovery of the passage to India. It has a magnificent Manueline doorway, with a terrace with a view in front of it.
