travel > Destinations > europe > Portugal > Rosa dos Ventos

Rosa dos Ventos

TIME : 2016/2/18 23:39:56

Inside the gate of the Sagres fortress is a huge, curious stone pattern that measures 43m in diameter. Named the rosa dos ventos (literally, a pictorial representation of a compass), this strange paving pattern is believed to be a mariner’s compass or a sundial of sorts. Rediscovered in 1919, the paving may date from Prince Henry’s time, but is more likely 16th century.