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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 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 recorded 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. This
amount of wine produced has been seriously effected by 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. The 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 the Moorish occupation. 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 Sitio 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
· Townhouses
· Vine Yard
· Town
 Useful Lagoa Telephone Numbers
Town Hall - 282 341 410
Emergency Treatment - 282 357 320
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
· Monchique
· Olhão
· Portimão
· Quarteira
· Sagres
· Silves
· Tavira
· Vilamoura
· Vila Real de Santo António |
