| Lagoa is a pleasant market town set on a low hill in flat lands where, according to local legend, there used to be a lagoon (“lagoa”). |
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| The town’s origins have been lost in time, but today’s Lagoa is a pleasing conglomeration of whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets and an interesting main church, built in the 16th century but extensively renovated after the disastrous earthquake of 1755. Indeed, all that remains of the original structure is the Manueline doorway that leads to the bell tower. Nevertheless, the present church which dates from the late 18th century displays a subtle baroque façade with hints of the neo-classical. |
| It was around the main church that the modern town originated and the labyrinthine streets that surround it contain several small road-side alters representing the stations of the cross which are still used during the Holy Week celebrations. |
| Although Lagoa is an inland town, the county of Lagoa, extending to the coast, boasts some of the best beaches in the Algarve including Ferragudo, Carvoeiro, Centeanes, Benagil, Marinha and Praia Nova. |
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