The area that is now Portugal has been inhabited at least since about 7000 BC until about 700 BC by a Neolithic culture - around 700 BC Celts came in from middle Europe. From about 535 BC, the Algarve was controlled by the Carthaginians who came from what is now Tunisia. In about 200 BC the Iberian peninsula (the area which is now Portugal and Spain) was taken by the Romans but because of persistent resistance in what is now Portugal, the area was not fully part of the Roman Empire until Julius Caesar conquered areas in the north including Lisbon in 60 BC.
After the fall of the Roman Empire Visigoths and Romanized Christians were in power until about 711 AD when the Moors moved across the strait of Gibraltar and quickly conquered vast areas of the Iberian Peninsula. The Moors, mostly from Morocco, created a highly civilized culture with opulent architecture and scholarship - a prosperous time for the people in southern Portugal. As well as innovative and spectacular architecture the Moors introduced new agricultural methods as well as new crops which continue to be integral to the Algarve - oranges, lemons, almonds, cotton and rice.
Oranges are everywhere so fresh and delicious.
We will see more of the Algarve over the coming days.
Today we remained in the city of Albufeira - went to the Gypsy Market - strolled around, bought some gifts and some less necessary stuff.
So, photos here are from the Gypsy Market and Albufeira including another taken from our balcony and a couple from old town. Note the patterns in the walking area in one of these photos. More about these stone walkways later.
You can see a larger image of any photo by clicking on it.
Came "home" and scheduled our excursions for the balance of our time.
Thursday we are on a tour of Historic Algarve which takes us to the furthest point west, to Cape St. Vincent and other towns.
Saturday to the town of Loule - a town known for its festivals and markets.
Sunday and Monday we are in Lisbon and next Wednesday in Seville, Spain.
Thursday to a place called Monchique and Saturday before we leave we visit the "Unspoiled Algarve" - the area east of Albufeira. Not sure why it is called "Unspoiled", but I guess we will find out.
More on each of these places after our visits.
I admire the last comment "not being sure what is meant by the unspoilt algarve" as it infers that all that you have seen until now is far from being spoilt.Your photos of the white washed buildings and cobbled streets lend much to the character and beauty of the Algarve.
ReplyDeleteThere has been much publicity about the Eastern Algarve being the "Silver Coast" - not yet affected by much tourism and so as a consequence is devoid of large building developments,hotels and the like.It is suggested that property investors should take a look at this yet "unspoiled" coastline.