The strategic and privileged location on the banks of the estuary of the Mondego River led, throughout history, to the fixation of numerous civilizations in the lands that would constitute the municipality of Figueira da Foz. The origins of the occupation of the territory date back to prehistory, however the Romans bequeathed marks of their presence, of which can be highlighted the inscriptions in two denaries — one of the Vibia family, another of emperor Octavius Augustus.
During the 16th century, the population was besolow by constant pirate attacks, which led to the need to build the Fort of Santa Catarina for the defense of the area. The attacks were again felt in the seventeenth century, with Figueira da Foz and Buarcos being shaded, the churches desecrated and the fort of Santa Catarina occupied.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the great dynamics and richness produced by the port and the development of shipbuilding make the population almost double. At the end of the century, the city acquires a new economic impulse, motivated by the aristocracy, which begins to travel to this area for bathing on the golden sandy beaches on the coast of Figueira da Foz. Also the moneyed Spaniards begin to travel to this village to bet their pesetas in the casino.
Currently, this municipality has a territory of 379.05 km2 and about 58,951 inhabitants, distributed in 14 parishes. At the economic level, the main activities are fishing, the glass industry, shipbuilding, pulp production, the salt industry, the chemical industry, agriculture (with emphasis on rice production) and tourism.
With a privileged geographical position, this municipality has an extraordinary and diversified natural heritage consisting of rice padrice, salt pans, dune areas, lagoon areas, mountains, river, sea, with high environmental and ecological potential, which support own species and habitats, agricultural and fishing activities, as well as leisure and wellness activities.
From the rich natural heritage that exists is to highlight the 12 km of beach, where you can enjoy baths in the Atlantic. Mostly, with waters of "gold quality", recognized by the European seal of the "Blue Flag", these beaches make the county a beach destination par excellence and are an invitation to leisure, to long walks by the water, but also to rest in the sun.
Throughout this vast territory, marks are visible from the passage of people from various eras that this region have chosen as home, both in the archaeological and architectural heritage, which is worth enjoying.
Equipped with infrastructure and complete services , which offer well-being and convenience to all visitors and inhabitants of the municipality, it also has good access for those who go here from the north or south. You can reach Figueira da Foz by public rail and road transport, but also by car, from the motorway, or by boat.
In gastronomy, despite finding letters and food restaurants from all over the world, you can taste the typical dishes such as the fish soup of Figueira, the petinga stew of Figueira da Foz, the monkfish to Buarcos, tremelga rice, among others. In the sweets, try the figueirinhas, the salicorns or the moado porridges.
Source: Figueira da Foz Town Hall