The inland resort of Lagoa has seen many settlers in its long history. The town occupies an enviable postion on the summit of a small hill, which gave it a strategic advantge, which the Romans, the Phoeniciains and the Moors were quick to captilise on. The arrival of the Moors in the early 13th century marked a change in Lagoa’s fortunes. Up until then Lagoa had been merely a fortified hamlet; it was now offcially nominated a town , but like so much of Southern Portugal it suffered greatly in Lisbon earthquake of 1755.
Some forty years later Lagoa was to gain notoriaty through José Joaquim Sousa Reis, also known as Rernexido, who became a 19th century Robin Hood. For almost 20 years he, and his band of outlaws, terrorised the Algarve, even venturing into the neighbouring province of Alentejo. He was eventually captured, and executed in Faro in 1838.
Like so many other Algarvian towns and villages, the main economy of the area surrounding Lagoa had been the fishing industry and wine production. In recent times these have been superceded by tourism, which is now a major contributor to the region’s finances; the town used to be surrounded by hectares of vineyards which have been systematically sold as building land. Fortunately there are still a few vineyards on the outskirts of town which produce good quality red wine.
Lagoa has a great architectural heritage, with several important public buildings such as the Ingreja de la Misericordia which dates from the 17th century, and is one of the most significant in the Silves municipality. At the centre of the town is the church of Nossa Senhora de Luz, which although constructed almost a century later than the Misericorda, occupies a site which was formerly a hermitage dating from the 16th century.
The Convento do São José, dating from 1713, is now used for cultural events, but some original features remain, the most interesting of which is the small revolving door through which unwanted babies would be anonymously passed, to be taken care of by the nuns.
Every August Lagoa comes alive with the Fatacil Fair – one of Portugal’s most important commercial and agricultural events. The Facatil is a time of festivity and enjoyment, with traditional bands, singers and dancers.
Lagoa is only a few minutes from some lovely beaches – the Praia de Barranco, Praia Nova and the Praia Pintadhino have golden sands, and plenty of activities for water sports enthusiasts.
