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Photo: Bextrel, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
It was built in the 16th century, with the objective of defending the coast against piracy attacks. The fortress also belonged to the small chapel dedicated to Santa Catarina, still visible today. With a magnificent view over Praia da Rocha and the Marina, it is one of the most visited spots in the region.
The Fort of Santa Catarina is a medieval fort situated in the civil parish of Portimão, in the municipality of Portimão in Portuguese Algarve. The structure was considered one of the last Philippine military projects in the Algarve, erected to defend the peninsula from pirates and privateers, as well as military invasions. Its construction is one of the better examples that work of Alexandre Massai, a military engineer who toured the Algarve to reinforce numerous military fortifications along the coast.
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Mother Church
Built in the 15th century and almost completely destroyed in the 1775 earthquake. Later, its portico, Gothic with capitals decorated with vegetative motifs, was rebuilt. It comes from the original church.
Built in the 17th century by Diogo Gonçalves . On the façade, three bodies are distinguished, the highest corresponding to the church. The church has a single nave, one of the largest in the Algarve. The altars are in gilded wood carved from the 17th century.
Autódromo Internacional do Algarve
A motor-racing course that hosts Formula One, motorbikes and other races. The next F1 / Grand Prix is 18-20 June 2027.