INTRODUCTION

The most ancient human artefacts found in Almada still persist today-those of the Phoenician colonies 5,000 years ago-but the Romans and the Moors also passed this way.
The Arab people chose the name “Al-Madan” for the settlement, which mean “The Mine”. In the 12^th century they built the fortress, today known as Almada’s Castle Garden, in order to keep vigil over the Tagus estuary.

In 1190 King Sancho gave the first charter to this land of “good–air”. During the tmies of the Discoveries boats would stop at the local “Pipa” fountain to supply the fleet with fresh water.

Nobles and bourgeoisie orders the building of leisure estates, convents and manors, many of which can still be visited today, as they have become Municipal property.

Almada was also the venue for some of the most important moments in Portuguese history.

On the 23^rd of July 1833, the Liberals defeated the ‘Miguelistas’ at the battle of ‘Cova da Piedade’. On the 4^th of October 1910, the Republican was already being flown, one day before the official proclamation of the Republic.
At the beginning of the 19^th century, the council becomes an important industrial center, attracting waves of immigrants from other parts of the country to work in the cork factories, weaving, milling and shipbuilding industries.
In parallel, a strong sense of community was instilled, uniting local residents and immigrants, and leaving its mark on the collective personality of the council.

Between the 1940’s and the 1970’s new influxes of workers arrive from the interior of the country, attracted by the employment opportunities at the Lisnave and Parry & Son shipyards.

The completion of the 25^th April bridge, in 1966, significantly improves the movement of people and goods between the two banks, indisputably affecting the development of Almada, which was raised to city status in 1973.

But only after the 25^th of April Revolution does the process of infrastructure development, urban planning and requalification og the council begin, thereby setting the course for a future of sustainability and solidarity.