Armazém do Espingardeiro (Arms Warehouse), Lagos

The Arms Warehouse was originally built in 1665 as a saddlery workshop. It was constructed by order of Dom António de Almeida, second Count of Avintes and governor of the Kingdom of the Algarve. The building formed part of a group of military facilities known as the “Barracks of the Crown” and functioned as a typical regimental warehouse supporting the town’s coastal defences at a time when pirate raids and naval threats were not unusual.

Strategically positioned near key access points, the warehouse was integrated into a wider defensive network that included the city walls, the Governors’ Castle, and Flag’s Mast Fort. Over time, its function evolved from a saddlery to a rifle workshop and arms warehouse, and later to a general storeroom. Architecturally, the structure is strictly functional. It has a rectangular plan, thick masonry walls, limited openings, and the Portuguese Coat of Arms set prominently on one corner.

The building remained in the ownership of the Portuguese army until 1980, when it was transferred to the Red Cross. In recent decades, it has gained a new public role. Inside now operates the Lagos Urban Evolution Interpretation Centre, organised into three rooms. The first explores the city’s development from Roman rule through the Age of Discovery; the second covers the period up to the 18th century; and the third traces Lagos’ transformation from the 18th century to the present day.

In recognition of its historical value, the Arms Warehouse was classified as a Property of Municipal Interest in 2013.