Description of the attraction
Lagoa is located in the heart of the Algarve, between Portimão and Silves. The city, surrounded by vineyards, sits on a hilltop and was once the capital of the Algarve.
On the south side, this ancient maritime city, which has existed for more than 2000 years, is washed by the Atlantic Ocean. According to legend, this land used to be a lagoon. Later, the area was drained so that the land could be used for agriculture and housing.
In the 12th century, these lands were conquered from the Arabs. The coastal area was often attacked by pirates, so fortified forts and towers were built here. The 14th century saw the peak of the flourishing of trade and construction in the city, but the terrible earthquake of 1755 caused great damage to the city. Many churches, palaces, houses were destroyed.
Fishing, viticulture and agriculture are the main occupations of local residents until recently. But in the second half of the 20th century they were supplanted by tourism. Lagoa is becoming an attractive holiday destination not only for the Portuguese, but also for citizens of other states. The construction of hotels and various tourist infrastructure begins here. The city is attracting more and more investments and the tourist flow is also increasing. Among the attractions of Lagoa, it is worth mentioning the Matriz de Lagoa Church, the Matriz de Estombar Church, the São José Monastery, the Nossa Senhora do Carmo Monastery and the São João de Arade Fortress.
