Obviously Squares are very important in Cities. It’s the place people can be together in harmony. Everywhere you go in Europe there are examples of successful Squares, particularly Rome, London, Madrid, Paris, Brussels, etc….and the fact that Albufeira is a relatively mild climate, the central Square is important.

I spoke to several people about this, mainly the locals.

The Square it seems has been under continual works for the last 20 years and more recently, over the last year, businesses have suffered as a result of the recent remodeling works.

The latest criticism is that the new layout does not offer sufficient shade on a hot day. New palm trees were planted which people feel is not the ideal option for shading. They may look great but it’s not Albufeira and certainly not the Algarve. Palm trees are more Morocco. But works are not yet completed…..the fountain still lacks water, so I will not judge…..I am sure it will be fine.

I would say that the buildings in the Square and surrounding hotels and apartment blocks that can be seen from the Square, should be maintained more regularly. I suppose what I would like to see is a postcard image maintaining the character of the old fishing village.

It works though…..there are lots of bars and restaurants with facilities for outside eating and enough (although I would suggest not sufficient)(certainly not qualified like say, the excellent Dublin) street entertainment.

It’s just nice to see people watching the time go by…..

To paraphrase Mona Lisa Vito (played by the amazing Marisa Tomei ) in My Cousin Vinnie : this could be a great Square…..if they don’t fuck it up……

Share This