Lagoa, Portugal

{{About|the city and municipality seat in Algarve, Portugal|the municipality in São Miguel Island, Azores, Portugal|Lagoa, Azores|other uses|Lagoa (disambiguation){{!}}Lagoa}} {{Infobox Portuguese subdivision | type = municipality |official_name = Lagoa |image_flag = Pt-lga3.png |image_shield = LGA1.png |image_skyline =Lagoa - Portugal (8305867927).jpg |image_caption = Sea coast of municipality of Lagoa | mapframe = yes | mapframe-zoom = 10 | mapframe-point = none |region = [[Algarve]] |CIM = [[Algarve]] |district = [[Faro (Portuguese district)|Faro]] |parishes = [[#Human geography|4]] |leader_name = Francisco José Malveiro Martins |leader_party = [[Socialist Party (Portugal)|PS]] |coordinates = {{coord|37|8|N|8|27|W|type:adm1st_region:PT_dim:100000|display=inline,title}} |elevation = |elevation_min = 0 |elevation_max = |area_total = 88.25 |population_as_of = 2011 |population_total = 22,975 |patron = [[Veneration of Mary in Roman Catholicism|Our Lady of Light]] |postal_code = 8401 |area_code = |website = http://www.cm-lagoa.pt }} '''Lagoa''' ({{IPA|pt-PT|lɐˈɣoɐ|-|Pt-pt Lagoa FF.ogg}}) is a city and [[concelho|municipality]] in [[Districts of Portugal|the district]] of [[Faro (Portuguese district)|Faro]], in the [[Portugal|Portuguese]] region of [[Algarve]].<ref>{{citation |title=Detail Regional Map, Algarve- Southern Portugal |isbn=3-8297-6235-6}}</ref> The population of the municipality in 2011 was 22,975,<ref>[http://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xlang=en&xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&indOcorrCod=0005889&contexto=pi&selTab=tab0 Instituto Nacional de Estatística]</ref> in an area of 88.25 km2.<ref name=dgt>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dgterritorio.pt/cartografia_e_geodesia/cartografia/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal_caop_/caop__download_/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal___versao_2017__em_vigor_/ |title=Áreas das freguesias, concelhos, distritos e país |access-date=2018-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105172426/http://www.dgterritorio.pt/cartografia_e_geodesia/cartografia/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal_caop_/caop__download_/carta_administrativa_oficial_de_portugal___versao_2017__em_vigor_/ |archive-date=2018-11-05 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Its urban population, in the city of Lagoa proper, is 6,100 inhabitants. An important travel destination, its coast has won numerous accolades. [[Marinha Beach]] was considered by the [[Michelin Guide]] as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in [[Europe]] and as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world.<ref>[http://fugas.publico.pt/Noticias/291139_praia-da-marinha-um-postal-do-sul Público Newspaper], ''Beach of the Navy, a postcard from the South'', Andreia Marques Pereira, 2011.</ref>

==History== According to some historical sources, the earliest settlement in the area occurred along the edges of small lakes or marshes ({{langx|pt|lagoa}}), which were drained in order to create a fertile land,<ref name="CMHistoria">{{citation |url=http://www.cm-lagoa.pt/pt/menu/48/historia.aspx |title=História |location=Lagoa (Algarve), Portugal |language=Portuguese |access-date=7 August 2013 |year=2012 |publisher=Câmara Municipal de Lagoa |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625031045/http://www.cm-lagoa.pt/pt/menu/48/historia.aspx |archive-date=25 June 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> although a small remnant wetland, [[Alagoas Brancas]], can still be seen to the southeast of the city centre.<ref name="alagoas">{{cite web |title=Alagoas Brancas |url=https://alagoasbrancas.com |access-date=13 December 2024}}</ref> There are many pre-historic vestiges of the early settlements, including [[menhirs|menhirs (standing stones)]], funerary [[necropoles]] and artifacts that date a human presence to remote history.<ref name="CMHistoria2">{{citation |url=http://cms.cm-lagoa.pt//upload_files/client_id_2/website_id_1/PASTA%20FICHEIROS/Administrador/Notula%20Historica%20de%20Lagoa.pdf |title=Lagoa: Nótula Histórica |location=Lagoa (Algarve), Portugal |language=Portuguese |access-date=7 August 2013 |year=2012 |publisher=Câmara Municipal de Lagoa |archive-date=9 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109044825/http://cms.cm-lagoa.pt//upload_files/client_id_2/website_id_1/PASTA%20FICHEIROS/Administrador/Notula%20Historica%20de%20Lagoa.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> After the [[Celtiberians|Celtiberian]] era, including the age of [[Cynetes|Cynete]] presence and domination, followed by the arrival of the [[Roman Empire]] and then the [[Visigoths]], the entire region of the [[Algarve]] was [[Gharb al-Andalus|conquered and ruled by Arabs]] when they [[Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula|moved into the Iberian peninsula in the 8th century]].

When the area was later [[Reconquista|reconquered in the mid-12th century by Christian forces from the north]], it was integrated into the fledgling [[Kingdom of Portugal]]. Muslim influence in Lagoa was profound, from the rich patrimony left behind, not only in neighboring [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]] ([[Taifa of Silves|then taifa capital]]), but also in Lagoa where commerce thrived.<ref name=CMHistoria2/>

[[File:Convent Cloister.jpg|thumb|left|235px|Cloister of the [[Convent of Saint Joseph (Lagoa)|Convent of Saint Joseph]] from [[Carmelites|Carmelite]] nuns.]] During the 14th century, a favorable confluence of conditions allowed Lagoa to develop rapidly.<ref name=CMHistoria2/> Yet, the events of the [[1755 Lisbon earthquake]] left little marks from this period: the reconstruction wiped away many of its classic architecture (there are a rare few of this period, including the churches of Estômbar and Porches).<ref name=CMHistoria2/> [[File:Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha.jpg|thumb|220px|right|View of the [[Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)|Fort and Chapel of Our Lady of the Rock (''Nossa Senhora da Rocha'')]].]] The coastal zone was, for centuries, attacked by [[barbary pirates]] and corsairs, and those responsible for public security erected various defensive structures along the coast, such as the fortresses of [[Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)|Nossa Senhora da Rocha]], Carvoeiro and São João de Ferragudo, in addition to the lookouts and redoubts, such as the tower of Lapa or Marinha.

For a long period, Lagoa was governed within the municipality of [[Silves Municipality, Portugal|Silves]].<ref name=CMHistoria/> On the 16 January 1773, a [[foral]] (charter) was issued by King [[Joseph I of Portugal|Joseph I]], incorporating the municipality of Lagoa, after its principal settlement (Lagoa) was elevated to the status of town ({{langx|pt|vila}}).<ref name=CMHistoria/>

The local natural resources contributed to the current economic structure of the municipality, with agriculture (especially fruit and wine production), fishing, light industry and, later, tourism influencing the activities of the region. The fishing industry (in the communities of [[Ferragudo]], [[Benagil]], [[Carvoeiro (Lagoa)|Carvoeiro]] and Senhora da Rocha), vineyards, and the traditional products of irrigated agriculture were the principal sources of wealth for the area until the 1970s. Driven by the abundance of fish, the canning and conserve industry at the beginning of the 20th century was responsible for an economic boom, that brought a general prosperity and wealth to the region. [[Image:Grotto_pano_at_Algar_de_Benagil.jpg|thumb|center|850px|Natural grotto at [[Benagil]] (near [[Praia da Marinha|Marinha Beach]]), where a large hole in the roof of the cave lets light in, a popular [[tourist attraction]].]] From the 1960s, however, [[Tourism in Portugal|tourism]] increasingly became the main driver of the area's economic development and creation of brand new infrastructure. This has brought an increase in job creation, its growth rapidly became the economic engine of the municipality, and it has now assumed a prominent place in the local economy. In parallel to the growth of tourism, the growth of all the related activities, especially in the construction industry, services, and commerce in general, resulted in the elevation of Lagoa to the status of city (''cidade'').<ref name=CMHistoria/>

===Physical geography=== {{See also|Parque Municipal das Fontes (Lagoa)}} Lagoa is bounded on the north and east by the municipality of [[Silves, Portugal|Silves]], west by [[Portimão Municipality|Portimão]], and fronts the [[Atlantic Ocean]] to the south. The city proper is about 35 to 59 meters above sea level, with most of it standing above 45 meters high.

Lagoa is a municipality rich in beaches. They have been improved dramatically over the last few decades, in terms of infrastructure and access, as well as in terms of water quality and the environment. They now successfully compete with the better known beaches of [[Portimão]] and [[Albufeira]]. The largest beaches are: {{Div col}} * Praia de Albandeira * [[Praia da Angrinha (Ferragudo)|Praia da Angrinha]] * Praia do Barranco * Praia do Barranquinho * Praia de Benagil * Praia dos Beijinhos * Praia dos Caneiros * Praia do Carvalho * [[Carvoeiro (Lagoa)|Praia de Carvoeiro]] * Praia da Corredoura * Praia da Cova Redonda * Praia de Ferragudo * [[Praia Grande (Ferragudo)|Praia Grande]] * Praia da Malhada do Baraço * [[Praia da Marinha]] * Praia do Mato * Praia da Mesquita * Praia do Molhe * [[Praia Nova (Porches)|Praia Nova]] * [[Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)|Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha]] * Praia do Pau * Praia do Pintadinho * Praia dos Tremoços * Praia do Vale de Centeanes {{Div col end}}

===Human geography=== {| border="0" cellpadding="20" cellspacing="0" style="float:right;" | {{stack| {{Historical populations |title = Population of Lagoa (1801 - 2011) | 1801 | 4913 | 1849 | 8232 | 1900 | 12135 | 1930 | 13088 | 1960 | 13846 | 1981 | 15635 | 1991 | 16780 | 2001 | 20651 | 2011 | 22975 }} }} |} The four civil parishes ({{langx|pt|[[Freguesia (Portugal)|freguesias]]}}) that provide local administrative control are:<ref>{{cite web|title=Law nr. 11-A/2013, pages 552 55-56|url=http://dre.pt/pdf1sdip/2013/01/01901/0000200147.pdf |access-date=9 July 2014|author=Diário da República|author-link=Diário da República|language=Portuguese|format=pdf}}</ref> {{Div col}} * [[Estômbar e Parchal]] * [[Ferragudo]] * [[Lagoa e Carvoeiro]] * [[Porches (Lagoa)|Porches]] {{Div col end}} All the civil parishes, excluding the city of Lagoa proper which is the seat of the entire municipality made of 4 civil parishes, have obtained the social designation of ''towns'' ({{langx|pt|vila}}), although they administratively govern a disperse region of rural-urban agglomerations.

== Economy == {{See also|FATACIL}} [[Image:Praia_de_Marinha.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Scenic view of world-famous [[Marinha Beach]], Lagoa Municipality.]] Lagoa is one of the most important tourist areas of the Algarve. There are various factors which have contributed to its popularity, namely the variety of offerings to visitors (the beauty of its beaches, modern tourist accommodation, its golf courses and cultural heritage), orderly planning of land use within the municipality area ([[concelho|council]] area), its social stability, and the friendliness of its citizens. The city continues to improve facilities and organize events of interest to tourists. [[File:Horses - Fatacil Agriculture and Tourism Fair - Lagoa - The Algarve, Portugal (1469417381).jpg|thumb|right|250px|Horses at [[FATACIL]] - Craft, Tourism, Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair of Lagoa.]] Each summer it hosts a large exhibition of craft products at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa (Fair and Exhibition Grounds of Lagoa), known by its official name's acronym [[FATACIL]]. Certain heritage buildings have been renovated for cultural uses in the city, notably the Municipal Library and the Convento de São José (St. Joseph Convent) – the Cultural Centre of the City of Lagoa – where various shows and a variety of exhibitions take place. Similarly the Municipal Auditorium hosts numerous shows and other events each week. Many cultural activities take place at the Parque Municipal de Fontes, north of [[Estômbar]], all year round, including theatre, dances, and traditional folk-songs. In the 2000s and 2010s, Lagoa registered one of the highest levels of economic development in the Algarve. It has nowadays numerous supermarkets ([[ALDI]], [[Auchan]], [[Apolónia]], [[Intermarché]] and [[Pingo Doce]]), medical offices, educational (elementary, secondary, music, art) institutions as well as sports, leisure and tourism facilities. [[Lagoa DOC]] is a Portuguese wine region centered around Lagoa municipality.

===Civic=== * Congress Centre of Arade ({{langx|pt|Centro de Congressos do Arade}}) * Lighthouse of Alfanzina ({{langx|pt|Farol de Alfanzina}}) * Lighthouse of Ponta do Altar ({{langx|pt|Farol de Ponta do Altar}}) * [[Railway Station of Lagoa]] ({{langx|pt|Estação Ferroviária de Lagoa / Estação Ferroviária de Estombar-Lagoa}})

===Military=== * Castle of Estômbar / Castle of Abenabece ({{langx|pt|Castelo de Estômbar / Castelo de Abenabece}}) * [[Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Carvoeiro)|Fort of Our Lady of the Incarnation]] ({{langx|pt|Forte de Carvoeiro / Forte de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação}}) * [[Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha (Porches)|Fort of Our Lady of the Rock]] ({{langx|pt|Forte e Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Rocha}}), a medieval castle is situated in the [[freguesia|civil parish]] of [[Porches (Lagoa)|Porches]], overlooking the cliffs of the parish; inside the fort is the ''Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Rocha'', of uncertain date.<ref name="IGESPAR">{{cite web |url=http://www.igespar.pt/en/patrimonio/pesquisa/geral/patrimonioimovel/detail/73026/ |title=Forte e Capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha |editor=IGESPAR |access-date=25 March 2012 |year=2011|location=Lisbon, Portugal |publisher=IGESPAR - Instituto de Gestão do Património Arquitectónico e Arqueológico |language=Portuguese}}</ref><ref name="SIPAM1">{{citation |url=http://www.monumentos.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=2821 |title=Forte e capela de Nossa Senhora da Rocha (v.PT050806040001) |publisher=SIPA – Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico |editor=SIPA |location=Lisbon, Portugal|language=Portuguese |first=João |last=Neto |first2=Rosário |last2=Gordalina |year=2008 |access-date=25 March 2012}}</ref> * [[Fort of São João do Arade|Castle of Saint John of Arade / Fort of Saint John of Arade]] ({{langx|pt|Castelo de São João do Arade / Forte de São João do Arade}})

===Religious=== * [[Church of Our Lady of Light (Lagoa)|Church of Our Lady of Light]] ({{langx|pt|Igreja Matriz de Lagoa / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz}}) * [[Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel (Lagoa)|Convent of Our Lady of Mount Carmel]] ({{langx|pt|Convento de Nossa Senhora do Carmo / Convento de Nossa Senhora do Socorro}}) * [[Convent of Saint Joseph (Lagoa)|Convent of Saint Joseph]] ({{langx|pt|Convento de São José}}) * Convent of Saint Francis ({{langx|pt|Convento de São Francisco / Convento do Praxel / Convento do Parchal}}) * [[Church of Saint James the Great (Estômbar)|Church of Saint James the Great]] ({{langx|pt|Igreja Matriz de Estômbar / Igreja São Tiago Maior}}) * [[Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation (Porches)|Church of Our Lady of Incarnation]] ({{langx|pt|Igreja Matriz de Porches / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação}}), the 16th century church of the Encarnation, is a Baroque-era temple that includes vaulted-ceiling decorated in azulejo tile, and gilded chancel;<ref name="SIPAR1">{{citation|url=http://www.monumentos.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=24135 |title=Igreja Paroquial de Porches/Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação (IPA.00024135/PT050806040022) |publisher=SIPA – Sistema de Informação para o Património Arquitectónico |editor=SIPA |location=Lisbon, Portugal |language=Portuguese |first=Rosário |last=Gordalina |year=2006 |access-date=7 August 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140220202658/http://www.monumentos.pt/Site/APP_PagesUser/SIPA.aspx?id=24135 |archive-date=20 February 2014 }}</ref> * Church of Our Lady of Conception ({{langx|pt|Igreja Matriz de Ferragudo / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição}}) * Church of Mercy of Lagoa ({{langx|pt|Igreja da Misericórdia de Lagoa}}) * Church of Mercy of Estômbar ({{langx|pt|Igreja da Misericórdia de Estômbar}}) * Hermitage of Saint Antony ({{langx|pt|Ermida de Santo António da Mexilhoeira da Carregação}}) * Holy Well ({{langx|pt|Poço Santo / Poço Santo de Nossa Senhora}})

== Notable people == *[[Remexido]] (1796–1838) a notorious guerrilla leader of the Algarve *[[Hermínio da Palma Inácio]] (1922–2009) a Portuguese revolutionary against the Salazar dictatorship and airplane hijacker *[[Vasco Joaquim Rocha Vieira]] (born 1939) a retired Portuguese Army officer, the last [[Governor of Macau]]

==See also== * [[Craft, Tourism, Agricultural, Commercial and Industrial Fair of Lagoa]] * [[Lagoa DOC]]

== References == {{Reflist|30em}}

==External links== {{Wikivoyage|Lagoa}} * [https://welcometolagoa.pt/en/ Welcome to Lagoa – Algarve]

[[Category:Lagoa, Portugal| ]] [[Category:Populated places in Faro District]] [[Category:Seaside resorts in Portugal]] [[Category:Towns in Portugal]] [[Category:Municipalities of Faro District]]