The primitive fortification of the place dates back to a watchtower built under the reign of King John II (1481-1495). Later, when the Ferragudo village was founded (1520), it is believed to have been surrounded by a defensive wall erected on the remains of another, older, probably dating from the time of the watchtower construction.

According to the report Alexandre Massai, the wall still existed in 1621, as they state “a fenced place called Ferragudo” (Description of the Kingdom of Algarve …, 1621).

Aiming at the defense of that estuary, before the village, downstream, on a rocky elevation, one artillery bulwark was erected around 1643.

The force of the elements (tides and storms), culminating in a violent storm in 1669, caused severe damage to the bulwark.

Repaired in 1754, an inspection made by the Kingdom of Algarve Governor, D. Rodrigo de Noronha and Antonio Meneses, the fort was considered in perfect condition. Then had two artillery batteries:

the Low Battery, with three artillery pieces;
the High Battery, artillery by four.
The following year was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755, including the foundations. In 1765 a new report realized that all their quarters were in ruins, having spent $ 80 000 réis in its rebuilding.

This site may be seen a good extension of the ocean and the mouth of the Rio Arade, where it was necessary to remove those who intended to enter the bar to steal and loot. Today it is not necessary for surveillance, but we can contemplate the magnificent natural setting.

The location in a dominant headland on the coast such as the N. Sra. da Rocha – Our Lady of the Rock, offering exceptional conditions for the protection of the populations of frequent attacks by corsairs, and particularly to protect the almadrava the existing source in the current Pera Pera Beach . Like many others local heritage disappeared during the disastrous 1755 earthquake.

However, the small chapel inside and the scenario wonder justify the visit to this location.

Location: Ferragudo
Height: 10 m
Altitude: 32 m

37º06’20.98”N / 08º31’10.60”W

Location: Alfanzina – Carvoeiro
Height: 23m
Altitude: 63 m

Year: 1920
37º05’12.53”N / 08º26’33.60”W

Open to the public every Wednesday from 14h to 17h.

This applies to the chimney so-called ex-libris of the village, built on the secular houses as a keep in miniature. In it, the mysteries involve questions in the reliefs, at the coronation in shots of pine cones, in the circle of staff ends, the wheel of curious rays. And most intriguing is the human figure patent it. Dating from 1793, this chimney is on the street chimney.

Close by, in the Mail Tray, rises another chimney, probably of the century. XVIII. It has four faces that rise by torn cracks vertically, showing up at the base four circular loops, one on each face.

In the same historic area of ​​Vila is another sign of the local genuineness of the chimneys. It is the Lion of Porches, century building. XVIII where the restaurant with the same name works, boasting a splendid fireplace that features a lion crowned with vine leaves.

Strolling through the village, notice on rooftops, will surely find many more deserving chimneys of his contemplation.

Built in the mid-sixteenth century on the hilltop where spreads the village, it is the most representative examples of Manueline architecture to be found in the western Algarve.

Built on an old hermitage dedicated to Santa Ana, presents confluence of different architectural styles, because of the extensive remodeling that was subject after the earthquake of 1755. The façade, flanked by two symmetrical towers, stands the rich Manueline portico, decorated with motifs vegetal and topped by a scallop, symbol of São Tiago – St. James.

They are also to highlight also the Manueline architectural style, the two side portals. Inside, next to the entrance porch, are evident two Manueline columns profusely carved with figures from all walks of life and a parade of musicians. The chancel Chapel holds a gilded altarpiece which identifies the figures of São Tiago e de São José – St. James and St. Joseph. Also noteworthy are the night chapels, which are tastefully baroque set design in carving and tiles.