Foz do Arelho
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Foz do Arelho is one of the sixteen freguesias that make up the concelho (municipality) of Caldas da Rainha, Portugal.
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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 freguesia of Serra do Bouro. By South is delimited by the ocean basin of Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon) and freguesia of Nadadouro. East by the limits between the freguesias 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 freguesia of Serra do Bouro, and was promoted to the category of freguesia 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 freguesia of Foz do Arelho as a total area of 9,125 km² on which live about 2073 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 beache 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.
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External link
More information, maps, pictures and images can be found in http://www.fozdoarelho.net/