São Bartolomeu de Messines
São Bartolomeu de Messines is a Portuguese Parish in the Municipality (Concelho) of Silves. The population in 2011 was 8,430,[1] in an area of 239.87 km².[2] It was previously known as "Mussiene" prior to its recapture from the Moors during the "Reconquista" in 1189. It is a typical small Portuguese town, situated in the rising hills approximately 19 kilometres north of Albufeira, and 42 kilometres from Faro Airport. The old town is mainly of 16th-century origin, and its small, narrow cobbled streets are to be seen north of the main Church of Sao Bartolomeu de Messines at the end of the town's main street.
São Bartolomeu de Messines | |
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 Coat of arms | |
  São Bartolomeu de Messines Location in Portugal | |
| Coordinates: 37.257°N 8.287°W | |
| Country |  Portugal |
| Region | Algarve |
| Intermunic. comm. | Algarve |
| District | Faro |
| Municipality | Silves |
| Area | |
| • Total | 239.87 km2 (92.61 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 8,430 |
| • Density | 35/km2 (91/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+01:00 (WEST) |
There is a large market held on the outskirts of the town, by the new bus station, every last Monday of the month, and a flea market every second Saturday of the month. The town is well served by both bus, and train, with direct links to both Faro, Spain, and Lisbon by both rail, and motorway. The toll-free IC1 Lisbon road also passes through the town too..
Messines' main claim to fame is being the birthplace of one of Portugal's most famous poets, Joao de Deus, who resided there in the 19th century. His famous Cartilha Maternal was used to teach Portuguese language during both the 19th and 20th centuries.
