The first lecture will be at 2.30pm at the Museu do Traje in São Bras de Alportel, the second lecture will be at 6pm at the Convento de São José in Lagoa.

In this presentation, Gonçalo Correia Lopes and Joana Baço will be telling us about their ongoing work with the MUCH Lagos project which is dedicated to advancing research in Lagos, focusing on underwater archaeology, maritime studies, history and seascapes, a project to which the AAA awarded a grant in 2024.


The aim of the project is to drive positive change through rigorous research and science communication, bringing this common heritage closer to the community. They want to work with the community, involving them in underwater cultural heritage (UCH) and in doing so to make them its primary protector and promoter.

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One of the objectives is to be the implementation of underwater routes to observe archaeological objects in situ. Another objective is to introduce specialised training for the coastal community and in 2025 they will be launching contacts to get closer to the fishing community, the users and management of Lagos Marina and the diving community. It is these groups that use the ocean every day and it is to them that they intend to show the value of our cultural heritage and the importance of its valorisation and protection.

Another priority is to involve schools, with MUCH Lagos being present in several schools in the Lagos municipality, giving lectures and demonstrations on Maritime Archaeology. They want to focus on research, conservation, protection, promotion and valorisation of UCH, and through it, promote an understanding of the ocean and a growing connection to the sea, ensuring the ocean’s future.

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Gonçalo Correia Lopes is a researcher and professor at the Centre for Archaeology, Arts and Heritage Sciences (CEAACP), University of the Algarve (UAlg). He was born in Praia da Luz, Lagos and has a masters degree and PhD in Nautical, Underwater and Maritime Archaeology from NOVA FCSH, Lisbon. His PhD thesis “Boa Vista 1: an archaeological study of an Early Medieval ship in Lisbon waterfront (17th-18th centuries)” focused on nautical archaeology and shipbuilding traditions from the Mediterranean and the Atlantic. His research is centred on the Early Modern shipbuilding traditions and he has coordinated and participated in several urban archaeology excavations. He is currently engaged in the execution of his project: MUCH Lagos: Maritime and Underwater Cultural Heritage of Lagos.

Joana Baço is a researcher and project manager at CHAM – Centre for the Humanities, NOVA University of Lisbon. She is a maritime archaeologist with a masters degree entitled “Anchors ahoy: an archaeological contribution to the study of maritime activities in Lagos in the Modern Age”. Her research focuses on the past of the oceans, maritime history and archaeology, interactions between humans and non-humans, photogrammetry and the study of primitive and modern vessels. She participates in national and international maritime and underwater archaeology projects and combines research with project management and science communication.

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Non-members are welcome to attend AAA lectures for a 5-euro admission fee, with all money raised by the AAA being used for archaeological grants and speakers. For more information contact info.algarvearqueo@gmail.com, visit arquealgarve.weebly.com or Facebook 'Algarve Archaeological Association'. Please check the website or Facebook page for any last-minute changes.

Press release by Jane Robertson.