This historic town has played an important part in the story of Europe. It was the capital of the Algarve from 1576 until 1756 and there still stand many ancient buildings to testify to its historic glory. From its port maritime expeditions were embarked to discover the world at the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was from this very harbour that Vasco da Gama sailed in 1499 on his historic discovery voyage.Essentially now an important tourist town there are still many architectural signs of its ancient past, even a building dating back to this period that is recorded as being Europe’s first slave-market. The walls of the town are in most parts remaining after areas of restoration. Attached to the famous 18th century "gold" church of Santo António there is a small museum of regional items, some of which are quite odd! There are several interesting statues erected to the famous past figures that are associated with the history of this town. A small shrine commemorates the Algarve’s only saint, São Gonçalo de Lagos who was born in 1360. The more recently constructed Marina presents a lovely picture. It is usually full of boats on their way to and from the Mediterranean. The municipal council has constructed a Cultural Centre in which various exhibitions and culturally related events are held during the year.luxury hotels, apartments, pensionen,ideal for congresses kongresse ,incentives, messen,car rentals autovermietungen, urlaub, reiseagenturen,werbung,advertisment,last minute flights,aviaton, airlines inbound,outbound, touroperators,vacation rentals,holiday regions, vehicle rentals, conventions, travel agencies,autoverleih,mietwagen,unterkünfte,reisebüros,fluglinen,reiseagenturen,rent a cars, yachting agencies,advertising,banner adds,web design,cruises,shipping agencices, conventions,ticketing