Albufeira

Albufeira
Municipality
Byrn beach in the municipality of Albufeira
Flag Coat of arms
Coordinates: 37°5′23″N 8°14′45″W / 37.08972°N 8.24583°W / 37.08972; -8.24583Coordinates: 37°5′23″N 8°14′45″W / 37.08972°N 8.24583°W / 37.08972; -8.24583
Country	Portugal
Region	Algarve
Subregion	Algarve
Intermunic. comm.	Algarve
District	Faro
Parishes	4
Government
• President	José Carlos Martins Rolo (PSD)
Area
• Total	140.66 km2 (54.31 sq mi)
Lowest elevation	0 m (0 ft)
Population (2011)
• Total	40,828
• Density	290/km2 (750/sq mi)
Time zone	WET/WEST (UTC+0/+1)
Postal code	8200
Area code	289
Patron	Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Website	http://www.cm-albufeira.pt/

Albufeira (Portuguese pronunciation: [aɫβuˈfejɾɐ]) is a city and a municipality in the Faro District of the Algarve Region, in southernmost Portugal. It is a main tourist destination, due to its coastal location. The municipality population in 2011 was 40,828,^[1] in an area of 140.66 km².^[2] The city proper had a population of 13,646 in 2001.^[3] It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) from Lisbon, and is within close proximity of Paderne Castle. Lagos is located 30 kilometres (19 mi) to the west, and Faro 45 kilometres (28 mi) to the south-east. A tourist destination, Albufeira expands to approximately 300,000 residents during the summer and during New Year celebrations, owing to the number of hotels and lodgings in the district, that includes marina facilities, golf courses, restaurants and bar for the annual flood of visitors.

History

Early history

The Roman Bridge of Paderne, one of the few remains of the Roman occupation of the region

The massive walls of the remains of the Castle of Paderne, a Moorish castle constructed in the period before the Portuguese Reconquista

It is unclear when the first settlements specifically formed in the region of Albufeira, although scientific research suggest origins during the pre-historic epoch, and that the town of Albufeira formed as an out-port of the maritime fishery. The primitive settlement was occupied by the Romans, named it Baltum, introducing a centralized administrative structure and developing intense agricultural activities along with commerce. The Romans constructed aqueducts, roads and bridges, of which parts still remain.

The name originated from the Arab Al-buhera, which means castle of the sea, owing to its location along the coast, or the alternately al-Buħayra, for the lagoon, in reference to the lagoon that formed in the lowlands. The Arabs constructed strong defensive structures, making the area almost impregnable, allowing this area to remain in the hands of their forces longer than other possessions in Portugal. The development of agriculture during this period was notable, with the introduction of new techniques and plant species. The Moors used the plow and fertilizers, as well as winches for lifting the water from the wells, introducing the irrigation of fields, constructing dams and transforming uncultivated areas into gardens and orchards.

Middle Ages and Modern Era

The Christian conquest of the region began at the end of the 12th century. When King Afonso III of Portugal occupied the throne, most of the Algarve had already fallen into the hands of the Christians. Templar and Hospitaler Knights, military and religious orders that supported the Reconquista, assaulted many of the lands occupied by the Arabs, but were never successful in taking Albufeira. It was following the capture of Faro that the siege of Albufeira became unsupportable. Encircled by enemy forces on all sides, it fell in 1249 to the forces of Afonso III, who immediately donated the lands to the Order of Aviz. The Moors were persecuted terribly by the victorious army, which chased the remaining forces into a cavern, known today as Cova do Xorino, situated near the southern limits of the old city. The town became part of the kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves. King D. Manuel I awarded a Charter (foral) to the Town of Albufeira on 20 August 1504 and from that day the town was governed according to the legislation in force for the rest of the country.

Albufeira was one of the towns of the Algarve most affected by natural calamities, but it was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake which caused the worse damage. The sea invaded the town with 10 metres (33 ft) waves, destroying almost all the buildings along the coast. In the town proper, only 27 residential buildings survived the natural disaster, but in states of ruin. The parochial church, an old mosque adapted by the Christians, where many of the residents sought refuge during the cataclysm, collapsed causing 227 deaths. Even following these events, the Algarve continued to experience aftershocks, until 20 August of the following year, which hindered the reconstruction under the Bishop D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar.

In 1833, during the Liberal Wars between absolutist and liberal forces, Albufeira was encircled and attacked by Remexido's soldiers: a popular absolutist leader, who profoundly damaged the village and executed many of its inhabitants. After the 19th century, the community grew through the expansion of the fishery.

20th century

In the first decades of the 20th century, the export of fish and nuts represented the largest contribution to the local economy of the municipality. The town itself had five factories employing 700-800 people, mostly wives of fishermen working in local production. Yet, between 1930 and 1960, there was a considerable decline in fortunes, resulting in the closing of many of these factories, the reduction in fishing boats along the coast and the abandonment of many of the homes. The population was reduced by half and the fishing industry became a subsistence activity, supporting local consumption only.

The town started to become a hub for tourism in the 1960s, and has grown to accommodate this since, growing out into the surrounding hills to accommodate thousands of the 5 million tourists who visit the Algarve region each year.^[4]

Geography

Physical geography

Albufeira, and many of the regions of Portugal, are subject to the administration of conservation policies, that includes the Blue flag beaches of the coastal areas. Albufeira has two main beaches, Praia dos Pescadores (or the Fishermen's Beach) and Praia do Túnel (or the tunnel beach), which is accessed through a tunnel through the cliffs. The beaches are accessible from the esplanade from via open-air escalators (in the east) and an open-air elevator (in the west). These beaches are interconnected; beginning from the Praia dos Pescadores, beachgoers can travel for several kilometres along the coast between smaller beaches. The western end of Praia dos Pescadores is fronted by the Albufeira Marina, a harbour that provides an entry-point from other ports along the Algarvean coast.

The Olheiros de Água Doce are freshwater springs that flow from the beach and only visible sea during low tide. During low-tide unsalted water springs bubble through the sand on the beach.

From west to east, these include:^[5]

Climate

A sea breeze usually freshen the annual average temperature of the Algarve which is 17.7 °C (63.9 °F) (12 °C (54 °F) in January to about 30 °C (86 °F) in August). The region has a small area in the outer wooded foothills of Faro where temperatures can drop to as low as -37°C in winter. The area covers approximately 1sq mile and it is unknown why temperatures reach such a cold level while the rest of the region basks in sunlight and temperatures much higher.

Human geography

The municipality of Albufeira, comprising the territorial government and institutions, is administered by the municipal government, whose seat is in the parish of Albufeira (roughly analogous to the city). Local authority is vested in the five civil parishes, responsible for the execution of the municipal plans, community outreach and local issues, which include:^[6]

• Albufeira e Olhos de Água
• Ferreiras
• Guia
• Paderne

International relations

Twin towns/cities

Albufeira is twinned with: Dunfermline, Scotland

Economy

Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via Faro Airport. After sunset, the centre of Albufeira comes alive with bars, restaurants, and shops to suit most tastes, from authentic Portuguese-fare to Irish, English, and Dutch restaurants and pubs.

Tourism

Beach in Albufeira

The tourist areas are divided into two main areas, Areias de São João, known colloquially as 'The Strip', and the Old Town. The Strip's main street is Avenida Francisco Sá Carneiro which is full of bars, restaurants and open-air discothèques. Unfortunately it is not a pedestrian street so cars pass through the crowd at all hours. It is a very nightlife oriented area, very popular with young people. The Albufeira Bull Ring is close by, as is the Kiss-nightclub.

The Old Town is situated right at the seafront and is predominantly a pedestrian area. Street-artists entertain the crowds and there is an incredible large choice of restaurants, bars and shops. There are open-air discothèques and many bars that have a live band every night (the most famous being Snoopy Bar on the seafront and Vertigo on the central square). Measured in number of bars and restaurants the Old Town is about four times the size of The Strip.

Despite the modern achievements and the millions of tourists that visit every year, Albufeira has maintained its moorish feel and is still the fisherman's village it has always been.

Architecture

The architecture of the region is an eclectic mix of typical Portuguese Algarvean pale white and tiled residential homes, along narrow streets, intermixed with modern tourist developments. The apartments near the Marina e Bryn are a unique mix of pinks, blues, and yellows, dubbed locally as Legoland. In addition, the municipality is dotted with rich historical and architectural landmarks, such as the following:

Civic

• Albufeirra Railway Station (Portuguese: Estação Ferroviária de Albufeira),^[7] the iconic station was originally identified in 1918 pamphlet, as part of the Terreiro do Paço-Barreiro route. After November 1926, faster locomotives began to serve this line, while in 1938, the Empresa de Viação do Algarve began regular service between Albufeira and Ferreiras.
• Tower Clock (Portuguese: Torre do Relogio), situated on Rua Bernardino de Sousa, it is considered by the city of Albufeira as its ex-libris; constructed in the 19th century, it consists of a tower with a crown of iron, representing a belfrey tower, with its solitary bell hung from its structure. It is a functioning belltower and illuminated normally during feast days and religious celebrations.

Military

• Castle of Paderne (Portuguese: Castelo de Pardene),^[8] came to be situated on the remnants of an ancient Calcolthic, or even Neolithic, settlement, that was adapted by the Romans as an outpost overlooking the roads between settlements. Following the 713 capture of the emplacement, the Almohads built the Castle to enforce their occupation, in a series fortifications that included Silves, Loulé and Faro.
• Tower of Medronheira (Portuguese: Torre da Medronheira),^[9] constructed during the reign of King John III of Portugal, this lookout served to announce the approach of ships and/or attacks by pirates or privateers.

Religious

• Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Portuguese: Igreja Matriz de Albufeira/Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição),^[10] situated on Rua da Igreja Nova it dates from the 18th century (1782) and was consecrated on 15 July 1800 by the Bishop of the Algarve (then D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar), to replace the old parochial church destroyed in 1755. The Neoclassic church, consisting of single nave, four lateral chapels, baptismal chapel, choir, two pulpits and lateral halls, is dedicated to Bishop São Luís, Our Lady of Fátima and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Highlighting this temple is a painting by Albufeirense Samora Barros that emblazons the altar, and serves as the base for the image of Our Lady of the Conception, patron saint of Albufeira. Above the principal triumphal arch is the Cross of Aviz, from the religious-military order, that Albufeira was associated with at the foundation of Portugal.
• Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia (Portuguese: Igreja Paroquial da Guia/Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Visitação),^[11] commonly referred as the Church of Our Lady of the Guide or Our Lady of the Visitation, the parochial church of Guia is a 17th-century building, noted for an 18th-century image of Our Lady of the Visitation, Saint Anthony of Padua, and Crucified Christ, from the same period, in addition to images of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) and Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Sorrows), from the 18th century, in addition to azulejo tile that fills the footers of the body of the church.
• Hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Guia (Portuguese: Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Guia),^[12] dating from the 16th century, this structure was damaged by the earthquake of 1755, rebuilt in the first quarter of the 18th century, when the gilded retable was installed. An important work of the Baroque in the Algarve, it has a simple interior with polychromatic azulejo tile and image of the patron saint dating from the 17th century.
• Hermitage of São Sebastião (Portuguese: Igreja de São Sebastião/Ermida de São Sebastião),^[12] built around the 16th century, or early 17th century, it was greatly damaged by the 1755 earthquake, yet was completely restored in three months time. Dedicated to Saint Sebastian (since he was the legendary saint responsible for the disappearance of the Black Plague), an 17th-century, wood image of the saint (which was initially housed in this hermitage) is located in the sacristy of the parochial church of Guia.

Culture

Nightlife in Albufeira

A local culinary specialty is a rich steamed stew dish of local shellfish, traditionally referred to as Cataplana (named for the cookware used in its preparation), which is a well known dish from the Algarve. Similarly, the Caldeirada (or fish stew) and the simple grilled sardines, are also popular examples of the traditional dishes, typical of the Portugal and coastal areas.

Sport

Several regular football tournaments are played in the Algarve, notably the Algarve Cup. Also, many British teams spend the summer in Albufeira for pre-season training sessions, participating in friendly games, including Sunderland and Ipswich Town (which have played games in various venues in the area. This has quite strangely meant that an affinity between the town of Albufeira and Ipswich Town has been created which results in an annual trip being arranged for an Ipswich home game each season for the residents of Albufeira).

The city plays host to the Almond Blossom Cross Country competition annually. Organized in 1977, the event attracts international-calibre runners, boosting this sport and tourism to the area.^[13]

References

External links

• Albufeira travel guide from Wikivoyage
• Media related to Albufeira at Wikimedia Commons
• Municipality official website
• Albufeira Weather
• Map of the city
• Map of the city centre
• Map of the municipality
• Albufeira Guide
• Albufeira Restaurants Guide
• Albufeira Essential Guide

Parishes of Albufeira Municipality Albufeira e Olhos de Água Ferreiras Guia Paderne