Olhão
Information on Olhão
Olhão is an 18th century fishing port situated on the Ria Formosa. Olhão is a major port and actually the largest fishing port in the Algarve, full of character despite having recently been developed. Although Olhão only really became a town of note in the 19th century, it was first mentioned in 1378.
The new development includes villas, apartments and Moorish-style houses, an influence from the commercial links with Africa, that are ready for rent or sale. Despite this modern development however, the port is colourful, warm and very pretty. The traditional houses in the area are Moorish cube-shaped whitewashed houses that can be seen from the church‘s bell tower wich offers excellent views of the town and surrounding area.
Olhão offers three stuning chapels; The Chapel of our Lady of Solitude was built in the 17th century and was the fishermen‘s original place of worship and the Capela do Espirito which translates as ‘Holy Spirit Chapel’ was the destination of holy pilgrimages during the 17th and 18th centuries. The formidable Igreja Matriz (Our Lady of the Roasary Mother Church) was built in the 17th century and is believed to be the oldest stone building in the town, featuring distinct Baroque elements.
