Algueirão–Mem Martins

Algueirão–Mem Martins
Parish

Coat of arms
Algueirão–Mem Martins
Coordinates: 38°48′N 9°21′W / 38.8°N 9.35°W / 38.8; -9.35Coordinates: 38°48′N 9°21′W / 38.8°N 9.35°W / 38.8; -9.35
Country Portugal
Region Lisbon
Subregion Grande Lisboa
Metropolitan area Lisbon
District Lisbon
Municipality Sintra
Area
  Total 16.00 km2 (6.18 sq mi)
Population (2011)
  Total 66,250
  Density 4,100/km2 (11,000/sq mi)

Algueirão – Mem Martins (Portuguese pronunciation: [aɫɡɐjˈɾɐ̃w̃ ˈmɐ̃ȷ̃ mɐɾˈtĩʃ]) is a Portuguese civil parish, in the municipality (concelho) of Sintra. The population in 2011 was 66,250,[1] in an area of 16.00 km².[2][3] it has a population density of about 4000 inhabitants per kilometer square (and is one of the most densely populated parishes in Portugal).

It was elevated from the status of village to town on 1 February 1988.[4]

History

Toponymy

The toponym 'Algueirão' dates back the Muslim presence in the region between the 8th and 12th centuries. It evolved from the Arab term al-gueirān, meaning the caves.

'Mem Martins' is a proper name of uncertain origin, consisting of the medieval given name Mem and the patronymic Martins, likely after one of the first property owners in the region following the Portuguese conquest of Lisbon and Sintra.[5]

Architecture

References

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