The Great Earthquake and Tsunami Devastate the Algarve

1 November 1755

On the morning of All Saints' Day 1755, a massive earthquake struck with its epicentre in the Atlantic southwest of Cape St Vincent. The earthquake, estimated at magnitude 8.5 to 9.0, was followed by a devastating tsunami that struck the Algarve coast within minutes. Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira, Faro, and Tavira all suffered catastrophic damage. Churches collapsed during morning services, killing worshippers. The tsunami swept through coastal towns, destroying the harbour at Lagos and flooding Faro's baixa. Thousands died across the region, and virtually every major building in the southern Algarve was damaged or destroyed. The earthquake also devastated Lisbon and was felt across Europe and North Africa. The reconstruction that followed reshaped the Algarve's towns, and much of the architecture that visitors see today in the historic centres dates from the late eighteenth century rebuilding. The earthquake permanently altered the coastline in places and destroyed irreplaceable historical records, manuscripts, and artworks.