A brief recap: Since arriving at Ocean Villas Luz in August 2020, writer David Lugg has been experiencing all aspects of Luz Life. This blog (#57) is his review of June 2025:
One of my favourite bands from my youth sang the line ‘There is history in this place. There are dragons to be chased’. The lyrics have always resonated with me, especially when I was off on my travels to far flung places. It’s a reminder that the world we see before us today is governed and shaped by a colourful and often extraordinary history.
Our little town of Luz is no exception. Though not well documented, the area around Luz has evidence of habitation that dates back to the Neolithic period. However, it was the Romans that left the biggest impression. There are a series of Roman baths just off the main promenade and a small Roman bridge in the street behind. Despite local rumours that it will take the council another 2000 years to renovate them, progress is being made and when the grand re-opening happens, it will be a great day for the town.
The other two buildings of note in Luz are also very much worth a visit during your stay. Firstly, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz (The Church of Our Lady of Luz) was founded in 1521 and features elements of Gothic, Manueline and Baroque architecture. Much of the church was damaged during the infamous 1755 earthquake and it took until 1874 for the central part of the church to be restored to its current design.
Secondly, located opposite from the church, is the equally iconic Fortaleza da Luz (Fortress of Luz). Built in 1670, the Fortaleza was designed to protect the area from coastal attacks. Its five cannons pointing out to sea would have acted as a significant deterrent. Nowadays, the Fortaleza da Luz is a splendid restaurant, offering excellent panoramic views.
Throughout much of its history, Praia da Luz thrived as a fishing village. The 19th century saw a flourishing tuna fishing industry and a canning factory. This would have provided essential livelihoods for many of the local families. However, by the 1970s, there was a significant decline in the canning industry which was subsequently replaced by the rise of tourism.
The neighbouring city of Lagos is also not lacking in historical significance. It had been an important trade point for the Phoenicians, Greeks and Carthaginians long before the Romans arrived. By the 8th century, the Moors moved in and dominated the region for many centuries.
However, the 15th century is arguably Lagos’ most definitive time as with it came the Portuguese ‘Age of Discovery’. Prince Henry the Navigator made Lagos a central hub and set sail to new lands such as Madeira and the Azores, Returning ships brought back valuable goods such as gold, spices and ivory. The era also brought a dark side with Lagos becoming the site of Europe’s first slave market in 1444.
Other historical must-sees in the region include beautiful Silves, which for almost 700 years, was the capital of the Algarve, and Faro, the current capital with its original Moorish city wall and 13th century cathedral. There are a plethora of other castles, forts, churches, chapels, burial tombs and megalithic stones to keep the historian in you happy.
So, the next time you marvel at the aesthetic beauty of this fabulous part of Portugal, take a moment to remember the history that preceded your visit. Remember the many civilisations that influenced the landscape and shaped the architecture and the language. And like others before you, it is highly likely that you will fall in love with Luz. And the rest, as they say, is history.
More news next month.
David Lugg
@davidluggwriter
All photo images owned by David Lugg