The original Sagres Fish Auction building opened on 12 September 1973, operating as the Fish Auction and Sales Service of the Trawler and Sardine Guilds and the Central Board of Fishermen’s Houses. Until then, fish had been sold on the sand and on the ramp at Baleeira beach. The ‘Fish Auction’ is a facility located within a fishing port, duly licensed to carry out operations involving the reception, auction and delivery of fish, including unloading, handling, preservation and storage services.

On 5 February 2002, the current facilities of the Sagres Fish Auction were inaugurated and the old building fell into disuse. Following a restoration project led by Docapesca - Portos e Lotas, S.A., the Sagres Fish Auction Interpretation Centre was inaugurated on 13 July 2021, an initiative aimed at transforming the old building into a new facility with a museological character and a strong socio-cultural focus. Since then, under the management of the Municipality of Vila do Bispo, it has taken on a new mission to remember and value the history of fish trading at Baleeira Harbour and its key figures.

In 2024, the Sagres Fish Auction Interpretation Centre became part of the municipal museum network, based at the Museum of Vila do Bispo - Barn of History, ensuring services and permanent public access. A multifunctional space by nature, it offers an auditorium with facilities suitable for hosting 100 people and for carrying out different initiatives, ranging from Educational and Cultural Mediation activities, scientific outreach events, temporary exhibitions, workshops and training sessions, institutional receptions, amongst others.

With a privileged location, set like a balcony overlooking the scenic Baleeira bay, with the Martinhal Islets and the Atlantic as a backdrop, the Sagres Fish Auction Interpretation Centre offers a regular programme of exhibitions, educational and heritage outreach activities, environmental awareness initiatives, tourist information and promotion of local products, establishing itself as a unique forum for convergence and sharing amongst the Sagres community, local and regional institutions, universities, research centres, associations, maritime tourism companies, fishermen, shipowners, fish traders, seafarers and visitors to the Baleeira Harbour.

Opening hours

10.00-13.00 | 13.30-16.30 | Monday-Friday

Closed - weekends and public holidays 

Contacts

Centro de Interpretação da Lota de Sagres

Rua da Baleeira, 8650-368 Sagres

museu.celeirodahistoria@cm-viladobispo.pt

+351 927 193 677 | +351 968 255 667 | +351 282 625 164

GPS