Querença Loulé Algarve Typical Villages Architecture HeritageTraditional Villas Chimneys Chaminé Algarvia

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Algarve Tour Travel Guide, information and photos of historical sites, typical villages, architecture and heritage of Portugal, Algarve, near the municipality of Loulé, near Vilamoura, Quarteira, Quinta da Ombria, Querença, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo and Faro

Algarve's Tourist Guide - Historic sites, typical villages, architecture and heritage sites in the Algarve
Loulé Tourist Guide - Historic sites, typical villages, architecture and heritage of Loulé

The Algarve Chimneys of Querença (Chaminés Algarvias de Querença)

Querença is a typical village belonging to the municipality of Loulé in the Algarve region, full of natural beauty, architecture and tradition.
This is a region of human occupancy since remote periods, different people and cultures was here.
At the top of the hill, 270m high, this beautiful village of white houses and beautiful Chimneys, typical architecture of the Algarve traditional Villas, unpretentious homes with color bars and traditional chimneys, where there we find the  influences of Arabic architecture, forming a set of great beauty, providing a warm environment and peace of mind.

A architectural and ornamental legacy present in most cities and towns of southern Portugal and visible in the narrow streets, the structure of the houses with stylish minarets pointing to the the sky, the chimneys (as chaminés) adorning the roofs.

Cylindrical or prismatic, square or rectangular, simple or elaborate, the chimneys of the Algarve are a symbol of the region and evidence of the influence of five centuries of Arab occupation.

There was a time, that in the Algarve, you could'nt find two equal chimneys, because more or less elaborated, the decorative motifs always depended on the days of construction, prestige, pride and possessions of the owner. Indeed, it was customary among the master masons, ask the owners, how many construction days for the chimney to make the price of the chimney to be built, which translated in time that it took to build.

The predominant color was the whitewash, but honorable exceptions still show some colorful motifs,

especially in blue and ocher. The chimney, was a symbol of status, and this one of the main reasons why the Algarve chimneys bearing all kinds of forms, from simple grooves, to intricate and beautiful tracery, or miniature representation of clock towers or houses. But always a visible symbol of folk art, a test of skill for each builder and a source of pride for any owner

More than pure utility, the chimneys of the Algarve played a decorative role, as evidenced by the presence of two chimneys in the cottages, in a region where climatic conditions did'nt justify it.

The chimney of use and also the simplest and most functional at home, was situated in the oven house, where it was customary to eat meals, while the smaller and personified chimneys, occupied a prominent place in the kitchen of their home, apartment place, used only to receive visits or organize parties

In practical terms, the chimney was considered a sign of the presence of people in the houses, a good indicator of the weather and the location where was marked the date of construction of the houses.

The interior of the Algarve, especially Querença, is one of the places where they can best address these secular chimneys of the Algarve, the art of geometric shapes and different tracery, topped lime, reflecting the prestige and pride of the owners.

If you go to Querença, you will enjoy, and should also visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption (igreja da Nossa Senhora da Assunção), blending architecture, a mixx of Arabic, Gothic and Baroque styles. Its a earth friendly people, where traditional food is free of chemicals and at fair prices.

Zone of much water, streams and fountains, where in August, the tops of the trees show a bright green, unusual in the region. Among the hills, the river Fonte da Benemola streams, and the river of Mercês, through valleys lined with lush vegetation, reeds, poplars and olive trees.

In the midst of the vegetation, the water sources: Benémola Natural Water Source, Fonte da Esparrela, the Fonte Filipe Natural Water Source and other water sources and natural springs that join the streams, a true oasis in the arid hinterland area.

These eyes of water, which served the people of the parish, beautiful and seductive, almost in wild state, are perfect for dating.

Walking, or cycling, or riding an horse, are the best ways to knows better this paradise, where you see some owls, nightingales and bee. Nearer the river frogs newts and turtles also give the air of grace.

You can take advantage and climb to the Cerro dos Negros, 406meters hight, the view is magnificent. You can see mountains and coast, including, Monchique and the FOIA.

As a reminder, you can buy a basket of handmade cane and stay the evening with family or the girlfriend, enjoying a pleasant well spent day.

See Querença location and how to get there on Google Maps