Lagoa
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It is not known when Lagoa was founded, and it was only after 1773, when it was elevated to the status of a town; that its history was first documented; but it is known that Estombar and Porches were important centres in the Islamic and medieval periods and that Ferragudo had defensive ramparts. Nowadays Lagoa is at the forefront of the modern Algarve.
Beaches Viewed from the sea, the coast is a series of brightly coloured cliffs, strangely shaped outcrops and caves, whose almost unreal beauty is set off by the clarity of the waters. Between the rocks long stretches of sand alternate with tiny coves that can only, be reached by boat. Angrinha & Praia Grande - Two beaches next to Ferragudo separated by the Fort of São João de Arade. On Angrinha beach there are facilities for windsurfing and canoeing. Pintadinho - A small beach where the water is calm. Caneiros - Situated between cliffs of great beauty. Opposite, the colourful rock of Leixão das Gaivotas. Very tranquil. Mato - Little visited. Access difficult. Carvoeiro - The charm of a fishermen's beach and a small bay with crystal clear water. A cosmopolitan tourist centre. Boats can be hired to visit caves and isolated beaches. Vale de Centeanes - Scenic location between rocks and cliffs. Good conditions for surfing. Benagil - Charming beach next to a pretty fishing village. It is possible to hire boats to get to isolated beaches. Carvalho - Stretch of sand between ochre cliff's. Peaceful. Tourist facilities. Marinha, Barranquinho, Albandeira & Barranco - A series of small beaches which can be reached along the coast by nay of rocks and natural tunnels. Little visited and quiet. Praia Nova & Nossa Senhora da Rocha - Two beaches separated by the spur of rock on which stands the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha... but connected by a tunnel. It is possible to hire boats to explore the coast or get to isolated beaches. Cova Redonda - Small and charming beach between cliffs. Tourist facilities. Sightseeing Lagoa- A hill rises above flat lands where in days gone by, as tradition has it, there was a lagoon. At the top, the tower of a church is visible, above a labyrinth of whitewashed houses. This is Lagoa, where Manueline doorways, windows edged in blue and the imposing turret of the monastery create a feeling that time has stopped and suggest ways of life now long forgotten. Historical centre-The town grew up around its main church. There is still a feeling of the past in the streets of white houses where, here and there, it is possible to spy a chimney trimmed with the delicate decorative filigree typical of the Algarve. The winding streets are dotted with altars marking the stations of the cross used in the old Holy Week ceremonies, and more) than a dozen Manueline doorways and windows (16th century). 
Main Church- All that remains of the place of worship built in the 16th century is a Nianueline doorway to the bell tower. The current building dates from the end of the 18th century and the beginning of the 19th, and has an attractive baroque facade with neo-classical elements. Beneath its three naves; the chief point of interest inside the church is the retable on the main altar, with a perfect 18th century representation of Nossa Senhora da Luz (Our Lady of Light), the church's patroness, attributed to the sculptor Machado de Castro, and A São Sebastião (St. Sebastian). On the other altars, and in the upper choir and the registry office are to be found a large number of icons and reliquaries from the 17th and 18th centuries, including an interesting Baby Jesus lying on a wooden bed in the "rocaille" style (end of the 18th century). The sacristy houses a magnificent chest in Brazil wood; valuable religious objects (an 18th century silver incense boat and other items) and stones from the original Manueline building found in the church. Misericórdia (Mercy) Church -Plain fronted and small in size, this church has a carved main altar dating from the 18th century, with a statue of the crucifixion and two other art works from the 18th century. The walls are covered in patterned tiles dating from the end of the 17th century. Monastery of São José (St. Joseph) - Built at the beginning of the 18th century in a sober, rural style, it has been rebuilt and repaired on many occasions since. It boasts a chapel with carved altars from the former Chapel of the Compromisso Maritimo (Maritime Agreement), in Lagoa, and an 18th century depiction of São José (St. Joseph) with the infant Jesus. There is an interesting belvedere with an arch over the street. At the entrance to the monastery there is an "outcast hatch", which was once used for receiving abandoned children. The cloister is plain, with four arcade and a cistern in the centre. In the garden there is a menhir from Porches (5;000 to 4,000 BC) |
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