Algarve
- Alcoutim
- History
Algarve
- Alcoutim
- History |
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The founding of Alcoutim is linked to fact that the boats that transported metal ore and other products from the interior on the river Guadiana were compelled to wait somewhere, during hours, until high tide made it possible to go downriver. That, necessarily, demanded the existence of structures of support and defence. Conquered in 1240, during the reign of D. Sancho II, by Paio Peres Correia, the village of Alcoutim is rejuvenated by king D. Dinis who, in 1304, grants it city rights. He donated the place to the Military Order of Santiago, taking care of its strategical position in relation to the neighbouring kingdom of Castile . After the signing of a peace treaty - 1371 - between kings D. Fernando I of Portugal and D. Enrique of Castile followed centuries of tranquillity, only interrupted by the War of Restoration (1640/1668) and, in the first half of the 19 th century, by the fights between liberals and the defenders of the monarchy. In this context we should not forget the fearless guerrilla leader "O Remexido" who hid his forces in the serras of Alcoutim. The decline in mining exploration and agriculture led to a loss in importance of the river Guadiana as means of transport. The distance in relation to the coast made things worse and the region of Alcoutim suffered a long period of economic stagnation. |
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| History of other cities : Albufeira, Aljezur, Castro Marim, Faro, Lagoa, Lagos, Monchique, Portimão, São Brás de Alportel, Silves, Vila do Bispo, Tavira, Vila Real de S. António, Azulejos. |
