Foz do Arelho

Infobox_Parish_pt
official_name = Foz do Arelho
image_coat_of_arms = CLD-fozarelho.pngMunicipality = Caldas da Rainha
area_total = 9.4
population_total = 1,223 (2001)
population_density = 103.3
website = http://www.jf-fozdoarelho.pt
footnotes =

Foz do Arelho is one of the sixteen civil parishes ("freguesias") that make up the municipality ("município" or "concelho") of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal. The parish has an area of 9.4 km² and 1,223 residents [ [http://www.ine.pt/prodserv/retrato/retrato.asp?nomenclatura=1&R1=V1&x_nut=1_6_B_06 Portugal: Retrato Territorial: Caldas da Rainha] from the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (free login required)] .

Geographic situation

Foz do Arelho is located 8 km west of Caldas da Rainha, in the Northwest end of the council, and is limited north by the Atlantic Ocean and by the parish of Serra do Bouro. By South is delimited by the ocean basin of Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon) and the parish of Nadadouro. East by the limits between the parishes of Serra do Bouro and Nadadouro and West by the ocean basin of Lagoa de Óbidos and the Atlantic Ocean.

History

Foz do Arelho started as being a small village belonging to the parish of Serra do Bouro, and was promoted to the category of parish in July the 5th, 1919. As far as it can be remembered, Foz do Arelho was always a seasonal vacation resort, chosen by the elite families. Worthy of notice, is the wealthy businessman Francisco Almeida Grandela, which promoted several local activities, such as schools, etc… which helped to develop the region, and increased the life-quality of the local inhabitants.

Area and demography

The parish of Foz do Arelho as a total area of 9.4 km² on which live 1,223 inhabitants. Most of the local inhabitants work in industry and services in Caldas da Rainha, but there is also a considerable number dedicated to touristy activities, seafood fishing (bivalve molluscs), and agriculture.

Landmarks

Quinta de Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is an ancient manor house and farm, dated back to the 16th century. It includes a chapel, built in 1580 which can be seen, engraved in stone over the main entrance door, the chapel also has a stone bearing the "Medeiros" arms. Inside there is a polychromatic wood sculpture, dated back to the 16th century, representing N. Sra. do Carmo.

Foz do Arelho has several magnificent beach spots between the confluence of lagoa de Óbidos and the Atlantic Ocean. One can choose between swimming and sailing in the calm warm waters of the salt water lagoon, or surf and swim in the colder waters of the Atlantic.

External links

* [http://www.jf-fozdoarelho.pt/ Site Oficial da Junta de Freguesia da Foz do Arelho]

References