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 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 Silves. The location was later 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
being a mixture of good and bad legends. Most of the Algarve and
also to the north in the neighbouring Alentejo district
suffered by his band of brigands. He died before a firing squad
in Faro in 1838. The town of Lagoa has since grown
as an administrative town for the area that lived off in the past
its abundant agricultural produce.
Lagoa - Description
Within the town are a number of long buildings with double doors
that open into courtyards, off which more than just a large
storeroom can be found as it will often be the home of some rich
landowner. 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 used to be an active co-operative for the
owners of vineyards that are still produce a small quantity of
full bodied red wine. This reduction has been seriously effected
by the demise of vineyards over recent years as their owners 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. Another building of interest is the
Convento do São José which was built in 1713 and survived
the earthquake of 1755. It is now used by the local Council as a
location for art exhibitions and has a small theatre for cultural
events. Inside is a turn-box door which was in previous times used
for passing unwanted babies to the nuns. The mother would place
the baby and any small possessions on a shelf in the box and
communicate through a small aperture with the nun on the other
side. The revolving door delivered the baby to the nuns without
the mother having to disclose her identity.
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. The occasion provides an excuse for
enjoyment and national bands and 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 space
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 back
to the Roman period. Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1755
destroyed its ancient castle and also the original parish church
that is believed to date to the 16th Century.
To the west of Lagoa on the edge of the river, 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
(Area Map)
Lagoa Events
24th June - Feira de São João
2nd Friday of August - Fatacil
Lagoa Restaurants
Selected list for Lagoa area
Lagoa Photos
Ferragudo
· Ferragudo Beach
· Ferragudo Town
· Townhouses
· Vine Yard
· Town
 Useful Lagoa Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 34 14 10
Fire Brigade - 282 52 888
Police - 282 52 310
Emergency Treatment - 282 35 73 20
Ambulance - 282 52 888
Useful Lagoa Facts
Distance from Faro Airport - 55 Kms
Town Holidays - 8th September
Postal Code - 8400
Algarve Towns
Albufeira
· Almancil
· Alvor
· Armação de Pera
· Carvoeiro
· Faro
· Lagos
· Loulé
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António |
