Albufeira Explained

Type:municipality
Official Name:Albufeira
Flag Border:no
Image Location:LocalAlbufeira.svg
Region:Algarve
Cim:Algarve
District:Faro
Parishes:4
Leader Name:José Carlos Martins Rolo
Leader Party:PSD
Coordinates:37.0897°N -8.2458°W
Elevation Min:0
Area Total:140.66
Population As Of:2021
Population Total:44,158
Patron:Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Postal Code:8200
Area Code:289

Albufeira (pronounced as /pt/, pronounced as /pt-PT/) is a city and municipality of Faro District in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. The population in 2021 was 44,158,[1] in an area of 140.66km2.[2] The city proper had a population of 28,645 in 2021.[3] It is 250km (160miles) from Lisbon, close to Paderne Castle. Lagoa is 30km (20miles) to the west, and Faro 45km (28miles) to the southeast. A tourist destination due to its coastal conditions, Albufeira's population expands to around 300,000 in the summer and at Christmas and New Year owing to the number of hotels that includes marina facilities, golf courses, restaurants and bars.

History

It is unclear when the first settlements specifically formed in the region of Albufeira, although scientific research suggests 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, who 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.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the region was ruled by Germanic peoples like the Visigoths. In the early 8th century, it was conquered by invading Muslims from northern Africa. The modern name originated from the Arabic word al-Buħayra (البحيرة), for the lagoon, in reference to the lagoon that formed in the lowlands.[4] The Moors 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

See also: Portuguese Conquest of Algarve. The Christian conquest of the region began at the end of the 12th century. When Afonso III of Portugal occupied the throne, most of the Algarve had already fallen into the hands of the Christians. Templar and Hospitaller 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 donated the lands to the Order of Aviz in 1250.[5] 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.

18th and 19th centuries

Albufeira was one of the towns of the Algarve most affected by natural calamities, but it was the 1755 Lisbon earthquake which caused the worst damage. The sea invaded the town with 10m (30feet) 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: an anti-liberal, absolutist leader who was as popular as feared and damaged the village's buildings, having executed many of its inhabitants as well. After the 19th century, the community grew through the expansion of the fishery. This is why the locals annually celebrate 'Festival de Peixes', which has been tradition and serves to honor the fisheries in Albufeira that helped with the growth of the city.[6]

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.[7]

Geography

Since 2013, Albufeira is divided into four freguesias (civil parishes):[8]

Destinations from Albufeira

North: Ferreiras
East: Olhos de Água
South: Atlantic OceanSoutheast: Atlantic Ocean

International relations

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Portugal.

Albufeira is twinned with:

Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, United Kingdom (since May 1995)[9]

Climate

Economy

Tourism and commerce are the main activities in Albufeira. Most tourists arrive via Faro Airport.

Tourism

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.

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. This can be seen in the design of many buildings in the area. In addition, the municipality is dotted with rich historical and architectural landmarks, such as the following:

Civic

Military

Religious

Culture

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 Portugal's coastal areas.

Sport

The main local football and basketball teams are those of Imortal DC. 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, Ipswich Town, Aston Villa,[11] Fulham,[12] Sheffield Wednesday,[13] Oxford United and Brentford.

The city plays host to the Almond Blossom Cross Country competition annually. Established in 1977, the event attracts international-calibre runners, boosting this sport and tourism to the area.[14]

Politics

The municipality of Albufeira is governed by the Câmara municipal of Albufeira. During the 2021 municipal election, sitting mayor José Carlos Rolo (PPD/PSD) has been reinstated with 32,04% of the votes.[15]

Notable people

External links

Notes and References

  1. url=Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  2. Web site: Áreas das freguesias, concelhos, distritos e país . 5 November 2018 . 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_/ . 5 November 2018 . dead . dmy-all .
  3. url=https://ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&contecto=pi&indOcorrCod=0011166&selTab=tab0 Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  4. Book: Corriente, Federico . Federico Corriente . 2008 . Dictionary of Arabic and Allied Loanwords: Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, Galician and Kindred Dialects (Handbook of Oriental Studies: Section 1; The Near and Middle East) . Leiden, The Netherlands . Brill Publishers . 68 . 9789004168589.
  5. Book: Nobre, Idalina Nunes. Albufeira - from the Middle Ages to the Old Regime. Albufeira City Council. 2009. 9789728124366. 13. Reference to Military Order of Aviz given the castle in 1250.
  6. Web site: Discover beautiful Portuguese traditions and culture.
  7. Web site: Visit Albufeira.
  8. Web site: Law nr. 11-A/2013. 552-(6). 17 October 2022. Diário da República. Portuguese.
  9. Web site: Town Twinning. www.fifedirect.org.uk. 15 January 2018. 3 January 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170103165242/https://www.fifedirect.org.uk/topics/index.cfm?fuseaction=service.display&objectid=909A83AD-347E-4E30-828C-07B353B68048. dead.
  10. Web site: Igreja Matriz . erasmusu.com . 1 October 2018.
  11. Web site: Aston Villa Football Club. Details of Aston Villa's pre-season tour and training camp in the Algarve - 2015. Aston Villa Football Club. 21 October 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150528230439/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~4751400,00.html. 28 May 2015. dead. dmy-all.
  12. Web site: Fulham Football Club. Details of Fulham's pre-season tour and training camp in the Algarve - 2015. Fulham Football Club. 21 October 2015.
  13. Web site: Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. Details of Sheffield Wednesday's pre-season tour and training camp in the Algarve - 2015. Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. 21 October 2015.
  14. Web site: Cardoso . Carlos . 16 March 2000 . Vilamoura's dream comes true as Carla waits in the wings . . 10 March 2010.
  15. url=https://barlavento.sapo.pt/destaque/conheca-os-resultados-das-eleicoes-autarquicas-2021-no-algarve

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