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Located on the northern edge of town, this convent appears to have been founded sometime between 1710 and 1713 (it is known to be existence in 1730), by members of the Carmelite order of nuns, who fostered and educated abandoned girls. In fact there still exists a “baby wheel” or “foundling wheel” in the convent for the anonymous relinquishing of unwanted babies. The original building was seriously damaged in the 1755 Earthquake and was rebuilt thereafter. The convent features a chapel and cloisters as well as the Belvedere tower at the front which stands over the street. The tower has two bells, one 55 x 64 cm, weighing 190 kg and dated 1794; the second is 33 x 37 cm and weighs 34 kg. The convent, today, is home to the town's cultural centre and hosts exhibitions of painting, photography, sculpture and pottery.
Written Dec 14, 2010
This unusual looking building was built in 1895 and is still used today although the days market offerings were gone when I visited early in the afternoon. Particularly noteworthy is the small bell which crowns the facade which was used to announce the arrival of fresh fish.
Written Dec 14, 2010
If you walk further down the street behind the market building, you'll come to this open street chapel which shows a painting of Christ carrying his cross on tiles which dates from the 18th century.
Written Dec 14, 2010
This small chapel is located in the centre of town near the municipal market. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Visitation, it was built in the 17th century and its facade was reconstructed after the 1755 earthquake. The inside is said to be decorated with 17th century tiles with a gilded wooden altarpiece with a picture of the Crucified Lord.
Written Dec 14, 2010
This is the town’s main church that mostly dates from the 17th century although it was damaged in the 1755 earthquake. The main door and the three windows of the principle facade were only rebuilt in 1809 by the Faro stone-mason, António Xavier de Mendonça. Inside, which was closed when I visited, are some elements of simple Manueline architecture including the main altarpiece where pictures of Our Lady of the Light and Saint Sebastian are featured.
Written Dec 14, 2010
I arrived in Lagoa by car after visiting Silves and parked up on one side of this small triangular park which is built around a war memorial that's located in front of the town's main church.
Written Dec 14, 2010
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The Convento do São José was built in 1713 and survived the earthquake of 1755. It is now used by the local Council as a location for art exhibitions and has a small theatre for cultural events. Inside is a turn-box door which was in previous times used for passing unwanted babies to the nuns. The mother would place the baby and any small possessions on a shelf in the box and communicate through a small aperture with the nun on the other side. The revolving door delivered the baby to the nuns without the mother having to disclose her identity
Written Mar 25, 2008
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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 and singers entertain the visitors late into the night.
Written Mar 25, 2008
Favorite thing: I parked very close to this building and, as it was open, took a look inside where they had some information leaflets and maps of the town. The building itself was built on an old water reservoir and dates from 1890.
Written Dec 14, 2010
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 later formally declared a town only to...
Lagoa - Small, charming town near Silves
Lagoa is a small, charming, unassuming town that's located 8km (5 miles) east of Portimao and 7km (4 miles) south of Silves. I came here one afternoon after visiting the latter and found a gem of a......
Build your own Lagoa page
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