A guided walk to explore the history and fishing traditions of Vila Real de Santo António is taking place on Sunday, March 16, at 2.30pm.
Participants are asked to meet in the main square near the obelisk to D José I.
Motorway notices show that Vila Real de Santo António is Cidade do Iluminismo – City of the Enlightenment. The centre was built from scratch in two short years (1774-1776) by direct order of the Marquês de Pombal, with stone fashioned in Lisbon and imported by sea.
Built to the same pattern as the ‘Baixa’ (historic city centre) in Lisbon – which itself was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 – Pombal intended the town to serve as the customs post between Spain and the Algarve and as the tuna fishing centre of the ‘Sotavento’.
It became a centre for the canning industry and many factory owners built their magnificent villas on the riverfront.
Official guide João Miguel Pereira will lead the group through the 240 years of the town ́s history, after which there will be a visit to the Fishermen’s Association Headquarters in Monte Gordo.
Fish and shellfish petiscos (snacks) will be served for a charge of €12 (drinks included) per person. The charge for the guided walk is €3.
For more information or to book, please email organisers, the Algarve History Association: [email protected]
