|
Lagoa - History
Somewhere between 1242 and 1246 the Moors took possession of
this then small-fortified hamlet and placed it under the control of
nearby city of Silves. The location was formally declared a
town only to be severely destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. It was
in this town in 1797 that the notorious bandit José Joaquim Sousa
Reis known as Remexido was born. Commanding a fierce band
of followers his acts are recoded as a mixture of good and bad legends
and most of the Algarve and the neighbouring northern Alentejo
district suffered by his hand. He died before a firing squad in 1838.
The town of Lagoa has since grown as an administrative town for
the area that once lived off its abundant agricultural products.
Lagoa - Description
Within the town are a number of long buildings with double doors that open
into courtyards, off which are often more than just a large storeroom with a
suitable dwelling. The produce was dependent on the time of year and could
be from carob beans to topsoil vegetable products. On the outskirts of the
town is a co-operative for the owners of vineyards that still produce a full
bodied red wine. The amount of wine produced has been seriously effected
with the diminish
of vineyards as their owners over recent years have found a new pot
of gold by selling their land as building plots. The parish church
was inaugurated in 1814 but there is the older church, the Igreja
de Misericórdia that dates from the middle of the 18th Century.
In August of every year an important commercial and rural produce
Fair named Fatacil is held in the town exhibiting products
from all over Portugal. This occasion provides an excuse for
enjoyment and national bands with their singers entertain the
visitors late into the night.
Lagoa - Nearby Locations
The nearby town of Estombar has a history dating further
back to when the Moors occupied the Algarve. It was the home
of the famous 11th Century Arab poet “Ibn Ammar”. Many local
legends exist and there are reputed to be subterranean passages from
near this town going inland for about 12 kms. to the ancient Moorish
capital of Silves. Near to Estombar is an area named
Sítio de Fontes that has for centuries been a popular swimming
spot due to two freshwater springs that provide a small lagoon prior
to joining the Rio Arade. The authorities have now created at
this attractive area an open area for performing plays and general
picnicking. To the south of the Lagoa is the once small fishing
village of Carvoeiro that today is an area of expensive villas,
comfortable holiday apartments and golf courses. To the east is the
small and attractive village of Porches that dates from the
Roman period. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1755 destroyed the
ancient castle and also the original parish church that is believed
to date from the 16th Century. To the west of Lagoa on the
edge of the Rio Arade opposite the town of Portimão is
the small town of Ferragudo. Romantically said to have once
been the home of local pirates this place has retained much of its
Portuguese flavour and as yet it has not been too influenced by
tourism. During the summer on weekend evenings the main square is
filled with the sound of music and laughter as the locals and
tourists dance the night away.
Lagoa Events
24th June - Feira de São João
2nd Friday of August - Fatacil
Lagoa Photos
Ferragudo
· Ferragudo Beach
· Ferragudo Town
· Lagoa Townhouses
· Lagoa Vine Yard
· Lagoa Town
Lagoa Distances
Distances between each Tourist Town in Kms (Click Here)
In order to read the above document please download Acrobat Reader (Click Here)
Useful Lagoa Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 341 410
Emergency Treatment - 282 357 320
Lagoa Beaches
Praia do Algar Seco
Praia da Albandeira
Praia de Benegil
Praia de Caneiros
Praia do Carvalho
Praia de Carvoeiro
Praia da Marinha
Praia Vale de Centianes
Praia de Vale de Lapa
Lagoa Accommodation
Lagoa Hotels
Lagoa Holiday Apartments
Useful Lagoa Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 55 Kms
Town Holidays - 8th September
Postal Code - 8400
Lagoa Commerce
Lagoa Products
Lagoa Services
Lagoa Entertainment
Lagoa Restaurants
Lagoa Golf Courses
Gramacho Golf Course
Pinta Golf Course
Vale de Milho Golf Course
Lagoa Property
Lagoa Estate Agents
Lagoa Restaurants
Selected List in Lagoa Area
Lagoa Sports
Lagoa Sailing
Lagoa Waterskiing
Lagoa Windsurfing
Lagoa Vehicle Hire
Lagoa Rent a Car
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvôr
· Armação de Pêra
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António
|