French Invasions

The French troops: From the border to Lisbon


On 19th November 1807, Junot entered Portugal through the region of Beira Baixa. The Napoleonic troops crossed the Segura bridge on 19 and 20. Then they were divided into three groups.
In the town of Abrantes (centre of Portugal) the Spanish troops, directed by General Carrafa, followed to Tomar.
The Napoleonic troops went to Tancos – Golegã and reached Santarém on 28th. From Santarem following Cartaxo, Carregado, Alhandra and Alverca, they reached Lisbon on November 30th.

Econimical Activities of "Oeste"

The economical activities in the western region of our country are, mainly, agriculture and fishing.
The agriculture still plays an important role in our region, greater if we compare with the whole country.

In what concerns fishing we can say that the boats are getting more and more modern (technologically). Nevertheless, this activity faces some difficulties because there are fewer fishes than before.
We also have some Industry (food, drinks, textile, electric and non-metallic minerals) and commercial activities.
In our region some dinosaurs fossils have been discovered. It makes this area one of our main touristic attractions.

Climate

The region of Lourinhã suffers the influence of the Atlantic Ocean and it has mild temperatures between 10 ° C and 24 º C. The negative temperatures are rare, however, for the last two years, there was fall of snow.
Due to its high rainfall this area is occasionally affected by floods.
The coast is marked by the existence of beaches and unexplored cropped cliffs as well as by small bays.

Portuguese Economical Activities

Portugal has in recent decades suffered from profound changes in the structure of the active population. There was a decline of the working population in the primary sector and a growth of the secondary and tertiary sectors. However, Portugal, in the context of the other countries of the European Union, continues to record high percentages of the working popu primary sector.
But it was in the tertiary sector which recorded the biggest growth. Most Participation women in the labor market and the improvement of living standards contributed to the increase in the purchasing power of residents in the growth services and the increase in urban population.

Social Aspects

Social Aspects in our Region

Fishing and Agriculture are the most important economical activities in the area of Lourinhã.
The gastronomy of the region is very rich in sea products as, for instance, shellfish and other tasty fishes. In what concerns the desserts, we have here some traditional cakes – “Amendoados” (made with almonds), “Areias Brancas” (also made with almonds), “Delícias do Convento”, “Paimogo” (the name of one of our beaches) and “Pão de Ló de Miragaia”.
In Lourinhã there is a famous alcoholic drink, “Aguardente”.
Many people in our region start their working day with a breakfast in the local cafes. Then they go to work or they take their children to school.
When they are free they go to the shopping centres, to the local cinemas, to the park of “Fonte Lima” or to the Museum of the dinosaurs in Lourinhã.