Vila do Bispo

The mythical atmosphere surrounding Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent), places dedicated to the gods for thousands of years. The unspoilt coastline, with its dramatic horizons of cliffs and sea. The many menhirs that bear witness to prehistoric rites. Memories of the epic of the Discoveries and the enigmatic figure of Prince Henry the Navigator.

Such are the attractions of Vila do Bispo and its municipality, a vast triangle in which the sea is a constant presence. And where nature combines with history to create a unique region that is worth taking the time to get to know.

Visiting Vila do Bispo

The windmills which recorded the fact that for centuries Vila do Bispo was the breadbasket of the Algarve have disappeared. What remains, however, is the charm of whitewashed houses scattered down the slopes of a hill crowned by the looming bulk of a church tower. The narrow streets which surround the church contain many houses typical of the old Algarve, with whitewashed walls, bands of bright colour, carved stonework around doors and windows and cool shade.

Main Church - The facade is typical of the arr of the 18th century, with a doorway surmounted by an eye-window and a curved pediment. 'Hie central nave is covered with blue tiles depicting jars and dolphins, dating from 1726. It lias a "kneading-trough" root with painted boxes. On the carved gilt retable of the main altar (18th century) is a statue ol Nossa Senhora da Conceicao (Our lady ol the Conception) (beginning of the 16th century), patroness of the church. There are two lateral altars with carved retables and 18th century holy images, Hie sacristy has a great chest, various 18th century holy images and panels depicting Sao Pedro (St, Peter) and Sao Paulo (St. Paul) (16th century). Attached to the church is a museum containing some interesting works of religious art. notable among which are two Our Ladies from the I6th century.

Torre de Aspa - Ruins of a watchtower on a hill overlooking the sea (elevation 486 feet), and affording a panoramic vista of the coast as far as Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) and Sagres.

Burgau - Fortification built in the reign of King Joao IV (17th century). The remains of a 16th century tower are visible nearby.

Ponta da Almadena - Ruins of a fort built at the command of King Joao III (16th century). Some way away are the remains of a medieval hermitage and a watchtower.

Figueira - Remains of a 16th century fortification. Access difficult. |ijj]Zavlal - Ruins of a 17th century fortification. The ruins of a large masonry tower, formerly part of a watchtower, are visible at Ponte da Torre.

Barranco - Ruins of a 17th century fortress.

Baleeira - Remains of a fortification and a lookout tower. A short distance away, at Ponta da Atalaia, stands a 17th century fort.

Belixe - Fortress dating from the l6th/17th centuries. Shield of arms of King Sebastiao (l6th century) on the
entrance gate. Chapel of Santa Catarina (St. Catherine), cubic in shape, recalling the cells of Moslem ascetics. Retable with an image of Santo Antonio (St. Anthony) (17th/18th centuries).

A paradise for fishermen, surfers and divers

The whole of the north coast of Sao Vicente (St. Vincent) is a huge fishing ground, teeming with the fish that legends are made of. from fighting sea bass to tasty stone bass. Every rock, every cove has its own particular fans, fishermen who return to the same spot time and again. After that it's skill and good luck that determine the size of the catch...

Surfers too, appreciate the regular waves of the north coast, the safety of its broad beaches and the total freedom of the ocean. The broad inlet defined by Ponta de Sagres and Cabo de Sao Vicente (Cape St. Vincent) and beyond is an excellent place for scuba divers to appreciate the colourful diversity of schools of fish and the dream-like landscapes of caves and hollows carved from beneath the cliffs.

Near Budens, a golf course set among rolling hills with views to the sea is an invitation to spend a few pleasant hours chasing a small, white ball from green to green.

Popular crafts

Delicate female hands make bobbin lace in Vila do Bispo and Sagres, keeping up a centuries-old tradition that has always been associated with towns near the sea. In the country villages, the locals still weave attractive products from rushes and palm-leaves: baskets, bags, mats, etc.