Ferragudo (about 2,000 inhabitants) is a community and a small town in the county of Lagoa.
Coordinates: 37° 7′ N, 8° 31′ W
The town is situated opposite Portimão by the Atlantic delta of the Rio Arade.
Finds document that the area was settled already in prehistoric time and later on by Phoenicians, Carthaginians and Romans. From the time of the dominion of the Moors between 711 and 1250 exist no evidents for a settlement and occupation in today’s town area. In the 14th century the beginning of a re-settlement by fishermen is attested.
Also today, Ferragudo is a place where life depends on the sea and on the river. Fishermen have here their daily job, whereas tourists visit the small town because of its climate and the various beaches in the near surrounding. There are banks, the post office, diverse gastronomic facilities and shops.
View onto the central square of the town. There is always something going on.
Houses and narrow alleys stretch out and up the hill.
Small shops with handicraft but also shops for “bread and butter” are placed side by side.
On the pier you can watch the fishermen doing their daily job.
From 1502 to 1537 the bishop of Silves had the Castelo de São João do Arade constructed for the protection against enemy attacks, including pirates.
Today the castle serves as living space.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
The Igreja de Nossa Sra. da Conceição, also called Igreja Matriz de Ferragudo, was built in the 17th century and has been reconstructed after the earthquake of 1755.
From the courtyard of the church you have a great view over the Rio Arade, onto the Castello, the city of Portimão and its harbour.
At the beginning of the 20th century and in the 1940ies the church was renovated again.
The church is daily open for visitors from 10.00 h to 12.00 h and from 15.00 h to 17.00 h.
Church services in summer:
Saturdays at 18 h – Sundays at 10 + 17 h
Church services in winter:
Sundays at 10 h
Side rooms of the church house a small museum, in which historic cloths of clerics and other sacral objects are shown.
Moreover, the connection between navigation and faith is demonstrated.