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Alvor
Tourist information - Alvor
It is believed the Carthaginians founded Alvor and its history is interesting. It is said by some that it was really the site of "Portus Hannibalis". The Romans gave it the name Ipses and it was considered an important port and was allowed to issue its own money. Its richness is confirmed by the ruins of a wealthy Roman villa located slightly inland from the present village. In the time of the Moors, who first occupied the area in 716, they gave it the named of "Albur" and the town passed through both the Portuguese and Moors hands several times until 1250 when the Christians conquered it for the final time. King Dom João II, who is regarded as an outstanding Portuguese king, is recorded as dying in within the town walls from a prolonged illness in 1495. Most of the original town was destroyed in the earthquakes of 1532 and 1755.
Although this ancient coastal village is now a very popular holiday location the enclosed narrow streets have kept development to a minimum. Many of these streets now boast bars with live music and different types of restaurants but leading off from these there are still memories of the older fishing village. In the area are a number of holiday resorts from which the tourists enjoy visiting the town and its attractions. The village is well located facing a natural lagoon opening onto the sea. There is a choice of a long open sandy beach or a number of small coves tucked under the cliffs. The 16th Century Parish Church has a prime example in its main doorway of the great craftsmanship of the Manueline era of architecture. is the only building that has survived the earthquake of 1755.
Places near to Alvor are the commercial town of Portimão, the famous popular beaches of Praia da Rocha and Praia da Vau, and the semi-nature reserve of Quinta da Rocha.
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