HISTORY AND CULTURE
The human occupation of the Arrábida region dates back to the distant Paleolithic times. Over time, fishing has gained increasing weight, shaping local communities, sculpting their habits and customs.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The fishing village of Sesimbra in the 1940s, with sloping streets from north to south interspersed by staircases, in a cluster of white houses with typical Portuguese tiles, forms a bay that extends over the waters of the Tagus and the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
In the 1980’s the portuguese village that lives from the sea e to the sea is becoming quite developed. The jetty that has already been erected, which is now old, protects the harbor. The long walkway already extends from one side of the village to the other, crossing the Alcatraz hill and the Macorrilho hill.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
With the sun low on the horizon on a summer day, the traditional boats rest on one of the many quiet beaches of Arrábida. A woman walks close by. These traditional boats from Sesimbra are small vessels called “aiolas”, which are still used nowadays.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
A beach in Portinho da Arrábida similar to today with respect to the houses that are still part of the landscape today. A beach composed of an immense and continuous sand that joined the beaches of Coelhos, Galapos and Galapinhos, almost disappeared due to the silting and coastal erosion.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Before returning to the sea, all the fishing gear had to be prepared. Knowledge that was passed down by generations. The young boys had to learn how to undo the lines, replace hooks and make sure both were ready to be baited.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The shelter was forced to grow in order to keep up with the growing tourist influx to the village. The pentagon, a set of quays, was built to support vessels.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
A boy fishing with a line, at Arrábida’s coast, standing on a mantle of brown seaweeds that cover the rocks. A village that lives essentially from what the water gives them, everybody contributes to fishing, which is the main resource for everyone.
©Coleção Américo Ribeiro | Arquivo Fotográfico Américo Ribeiro DIBIM | DCDJ | Câmara Municipal de Setúbal
Visit from "O Pescador" newspaper director to the Oceanographic Museum - 19th January 1955.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
Located west of the bay of Sesimbra, living up to its name only during the winter or in stormy days when boats would withdraw to its port to avoid greater ills, it became a bathing beach in the 1930s frequented by several wealthy families in Lisbon.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The auction market seems endless. The fish, separated and boxed, is ready to be touted and sold. After boarding at the Seixal pier towards the capital, most of the fish will end this trip at the big Lisbon supplier market, ‘Ribeira Nova’.
© Arquivo Fotográfico do Museu da Marinha
These are the elaborate and luxurious rooms of one of Amelia yachts. A cabin that provides comfort, with skylights above the dining and rest rooms and the dressing room used by King D. Carlos.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
On high tide days, when the sea does not give peace and insists on hitting land, the sand is under water. Thus, the auction is organized in Largo da Marinha blocking the little traffic that existed at the time.
© Arquivo Fotográfico do Museu da Marinha
On board Amélia, D. Carlos supervised any and all oceanographic operations that could be taking place. With more modest ideas, he preferred to study the small areas of the Portuguese coast in more detail.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The Macorrilho Hill provides wide views of the Alcatraz Hill, the old “praia da doca” and the harbour. The last one is protected by the old jetty, the inland breakwater, which would be the first construction phase of the Port of Sesimbra.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
While they roll the buoys and prepare their gear for the fishing, the elders teach the young boys the secrets of fishing under tradition and the culture of Sesimbra. The warehouse and the beach were the learning places, in a land in a time where the son of a fisherman was a fisherman too.
©Coleção Américo Ribeiro | Arquivo Fotográfico Américo Ribeiro DIBIM | DCDJ | Câmara Municipal de Setúbal
Inauguration of the Oceanographic Museum by the Minister of the Navy Américo Tomaz - January 23, 1955.
© Arquivo Fotográfico do Museu da Marinha
D. Carlos was a naturalist and navigator king who was happy at the helm of his yachts and departing for his oceanographic campaigns. He made his way through the waters, always looking for the unknown to bring him more and more answers about the marine world.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
On the 60s, the beach of Portinho da Arrábida was already very popular on the summer season. An appealing beach that invites bathing. A village that benefits from what the sea around Arrábida offers to the gastronomy, inviting locals and tourists to taste the best of what the restaurants have, also contributing to the local economy.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Five hundred metes above sea level, on top of Serra da Arrábida the view over the park is just amazing. The Anicha Rock, the beaches of Portinho da Arrábida, Coelhos and Galapinhos, amongst many others, surround the cliffs of the area covered by thick vegetation.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
At sea, another day is born for longline fishermen (traditional fishing art). Aboard a vessel larger than the traditional “aiolas” of Sesimbra, a great fishing awaits them.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
On the other side of the bay, next to the Santiago Fortress, it was the beach that served as a safe harbor for the boats, which anchored in the sea or moored on land, after each arrival of fishing until the “boy” of the company went from door to door to warn fishermen of yet another departure to the sea.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
The old beach of Sesimbra is nowadays known as two beaches, Califórnia and Ouro, one on each side of Santiago Fortress. Located on the bay of Sesimbra village and with Serra da Arrábida as a background, it has always been a very popular beach and a good destination to enjoy the summer.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Arrived from the scabbardfish fishing, After the capture and once on land, it is time to prepare the fish sale at the auction. Deep waters fish, captured with a rig of hooks, is organized methodically and displayed as ‘lotes’, ‘eiras’ or in ‘monte’ right on the sand, close to Santiago’s Fortress. A ‘lote’ of scabbardfish is 30 fish.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
In the thirties, the road connection between Lisbon and Sesimbra emerged which, along with the local transportation, brought dozens and dozens of visitors to the village of Sesimbra.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Each box, filled with fresh fish, after the auction, is transported in stretchers or donkeys to the marginal road having as final destination markets mainly Lisbon.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
While walking the cattle, there is time to seat on the top of the hill and enjoy the view that Setúbal offer. A privileged view over the harbour of the city and Serra da Arrábida, that belongs to the Natural Park.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Daily, at the sunset, the auction is prepared at the beach of Sesimbra. The land is flattened with a board and the fish is laid side by side making long lines of ‘lotes’. Each ‘lote’ (or ‘eira’ or ‘monte’) doesn’t have a set number of units.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
From the top of the Alcatraz hill the view over Monte do Macorrilho and the village is admirable. Between the hills, a small and protected beach appears that, with the passage of time, became the shipyard of Sesimbra.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
At Sesimbra’s beach, fishermen, young and old local people help to pull the ‘aiola’ (traditional boat) ashore.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Raised, in 1904, a cement factory at Serra da Arrábida, on a place where there was previous exploration since the 18th century. Strategically well located, it allowed exportations to be made by land or sea.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The beaches of Sesimbra became more and more frequented by locals or tourists who chose this special coast to enjoy their summer holidays or just for a day well spent by the sea.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
After a day of fishing, the traditional vessels “aiolas” arrive at the auction market in Sesimbra, a wide variety of fish such as croaker, scabbardfish, tuna and swordfish, sea bream, red mullet, sardines and horse mackerel.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Aiolas and other vessels in the calm waters of the bay, at the beach that became their harbour. In the sand, the typical beach huts from Sesimbra are ready to welcome locals or tourists that want to enjoy the sun, the sea and the warm.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The portrait of Sesimbra with the typical white tile houses characteristic of the fishing village, the traditional fishing aiolas moored right in front of the beach, the Monte do Macorrilho and the Alcatraz hill.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Arrived from the scabbardfish fishing, After the capture and once on land, it is time to prepare the fish sale at the auction. Deep waters fish, captured with a rig of hooks, is organized methodically and displayed as ‘lotes’, ‘eiras’ or in ‘monte’ right on the sand, close to Santiago’s Fortress. A ‘lote’ of scabbardfish is 30 fish.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
It was on 30 October 1954 that Manuel Frade captured a swordfish weighing 153 kg in the seas of Sesimbra. Swordfish thus becomes a symbol that boosted tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The procession dedicated to Senhor Jesus das Chagas, patron saint of fishermen, is the most important festival for the community of Sesimbra. This procession is celebrated since May 4, 1534, bringing together thousands of devotees every year. The streets are decorated with bedspreads on the balconies and the floor is sprinkled with rosemary.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
In the mid-40s, Portinho da Arrábida beach still with its vast sand, was already quite frequented for the time. Locals, fishermen, possibly tourists and holidaymakers, were already enjoying sunny days for swimming, fishing and other activities.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
The small beach of Portinho da Arrábida with crystal clear waters is not very different from what it is today. Located next to the village of Portinho, it is located at the foot of the hillside of the Serra da Arrábida.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The Sesimbra auction was one of the most interesting events in the fishing life in the village. In the afternoon, on the beach, there was no lack of quantity, variety and quality in the fish that overflowed from the aiolas.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The sea calls and it’s time to go back to work. More than a dozen fishermen join forces to leave everything ready for another exit, pushing the vessel into the water. Every morning, around two in the morning, the arrais sends the warning to the meeting point, half an hour earlier at the store.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
In the 40s, Sesimbra’s beach was a place that not only invited bathing but was also used for fishing activities. It was popular among fishermen who could keep their boat safe and sell the fish. On the other hand, it had a huge area prepared for sun and sea bathing.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Fishing is over. A large group of fishermen take the nets from the boat and lay them down along the beach. These nets captured several species of fish and cephalopods using different fishing arts, like ‘xávega’ and ‘cerco’.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The advertising of an insurance company that guarantees smooth travel and vacationers by the sea are signs that Sesimbra continues to grow.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The sunset over the calm and calm waters of the sea of Arrábida, with the sunlight reflected up to the horizon line, already aroused the interest in recording these moments in photographs.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
It is time to haul the “cul-de-sac” of the fishing frame, a task that requires many hands. The fishing frames, traps made of large nets fixed to the seabed, forming canals and barriers that lead the fish to the “cul-de-sac” where it is trapped.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
The cuttlefish, the squid and the smaller fish, like sardines and mackerel, are not laid down on the sand of the beach. Women from the fishing families bargain and sell the catch between several interested buyers that ‘fight’ among themselves on a ritual of their own.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The portrait of what is a traditional family of fishermen from Sesimbra, inside their traditional vessel - aiola, showing the most precious thing they have. For many families, aiolas were their main source of livelihood.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
A woman and a canoe. In the 40s, water sports in Arrábida already had a few fans.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Fishing is over. A large group of fishermen take the nets from the boat and lay them down along the beach. These nets captured several species of fish and cephalopods using different fishing arts, like ‘xávega’ and ‘cerco’.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
It is at the harbour that the fishermen anchor their ‘aiolas’ and other boats. Busier during winter and stormy days to certify that the boats will live to fish another day.
© Col. Estúdio Horácio Novais I FCG – Biblioteca de Arte e Arquivos
In the mid-40s, Portinho da Arrábida beach still with its vast sand, was already quite frequented for the time. Locals, fishermen, possibly tourists and holidaymakers, were already enjoying sunny days for swimming, fishing and other activities.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
On each raised mound of sand, spaced between them in order to allow the passage, on hand of the ground, the fish is placed vertically forming small batches.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The traditional “aiola” vessels, rest from their fisheries in the waters of Sesimbra near Santiago Fortress that was built more than three hundred years ago to defend maritime borders from threats and bad weather that came from the sea.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
According to legend, a group of fishermen found, inside a box, an image of Jesus Christ on the “Pedra Alta” of Sesimbra beach. Largo da Marinha is where the most awaited moment takes place: the blessing of the sea and boats, saluting the ’Lord who blesses the land and the sea’.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Procession of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem, protector of trips and travelers, to whom fishermen have great devotion. On this day, aiolas and fishermen go out to the sea to celebrate
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The stormy days when the sea decides to climb the coast, recall the 1941 cyclone that affected the whole country, but especially Sesimbra. The storm destroyed 309 vessels, thus damaging the fishing fleet of this village
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Fishing is over. A large group of fishermen take the nets from the boat and lay them down along the beach. These nets captured several species of fish and cephalopods using different fishing arts, like ‘xávega’ and ‘cerco’.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
One by one the “aiolas” (traditional vessels) return from fishing, filling up the seashore of Sesimbra beach with color. The sea, sometimes more agitated, does not help to tackle the boats that arrive on land overflowing with fish to be sold at the auction.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
From Sesimbra’s castle, at the top of the cliff 240 meters above sea level, one can see the amazing view over the village and the sea, with the beach of Sesimbra as safe harbour to fisherman’s vessels.
©Coleção Américo Ribeiro | Arquivo Fotográfico Américo Ribeiro DIBIM | DCDJ | Câmara Municipal de Setúbal
Luis Gonzaga do Nascimento, founder of the Oceanographic Museum at the opening in January 1955.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Catching sharks was always an unforgettable moment. Each specimen was displayed on the porch next to the beach wall, accompanied by the great man who fished it.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
Every up and down, corner or angle of these hills take us to see the sea off the coast of Arrábida. This long and winding road, with several corners, drives us to the peaceful bay of Portinho da Arrábida.
© Arquivo Fotográfico do Museu da Marinha
D. Carlos de Bragança, born on September 28, 1863, inherits his father’s passion for the sea. With him as a king, oceanography was born in Portugal, when he started a series of oceanographic campaigns along the Portuguese coast on board his first Yacht Amélia, in 1986.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
According to legend, a group of fishermen found, inside a box, an image of Jesus Christ on the “Pedra Alta” of Sesimbra beach. Largo da Marinha is where the most awaited moment takes place: the blessing of the sea and boats, saluting the ’Lord who blesses the land and the sea’.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
According to legend, a group of fishermen found, inside a box, an image of Jesus Christ on the “Pedra Alta” of Sesimbra beach. Largo da Marinha is where the most awaited moment takes place: the blessing of the sea and boats, saluting the ’Lord who blesses the land and the sea’.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The seaside of the village of Sesimbra, which is both a bathing beach and a shelter for boats, is extremely busy. In the tide zone, tourists, fishermen and aiolas mix and enjoy the best that the bay has to offer.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Praia da Doca was formed a few years before thesse days, during the construction of the pier, which caused the movement of sand, which is why it was also known as ’Praia Nova’. Nowadays, this beach, which was full of bathers, no longer exists.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The efficiency and integrity with which the fish were caught made Sesimbra the main port for big-game-fishing in Europe during the 50s and 60s. Swordfish fishing was one of the first tourist products in the village, giving rise to its first unit hotel, Hotel Espadarte.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
On the arrival on the harbour and at the end of the fishing day, fishermen wash their nets on the sea before preparing them for the next day.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
At Água Doce beach or Praia do Ouro, a group of kids get together for an outdoor gym class. Some influential people in the village created the first gymnastics classes with the presence of some girls and with the aim of making them aware of this sport.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
The fisherman, a very particular figure in the village, has a very characteristic dress code, adapted to his work conditions. On his head, he wears a black cap in the shape of a sleeve with a tassel hanging from the end, inside which he kept the ounce of tobacco, the pieces of paper and matches for his cigarette.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
The cuttlefish, the squid and the smaller fish, like sardines and mackerel, are not laid down on the sand of the beach. Women from the fishing families bargain and sell the catch between several interested buyers that ‘fight’ among themselves on a ritual of their own.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Once in land, for the scabbardfish to shine the sand has to be smoothed with a board so the fish could be arranged side by side, generating long lines of batches, each one with approximately 30 fish.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
Arriving at the auction, the smallest fish, was organized and aligned in batches, which did not have a certain number of units. It can be organized on the floor, 15 to 20 or more fish, or even in small piles. The abundance of each species would be decisive in the organization of this fish, which attracted small interested crowds.
© Espólio fotográfico Idaleciano Cabecinha e Américo Ribeiro (EICAR), doado por Valdemar Capítulo | Arquivo Municipal de Sesimbra
People from Lisbon came to Sesimbra to practice sport fishing for swordfish, also known in the village as needle fish. There were so many in those waters that almost every day each bay brought about six specimens ashore. A family from the village, known as Ratinhos, refined the harpoon capture technique to become much more productive.
© Acervo fotográfico de Artur Pastor | Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa
The old convent of Nossa Senhora da Arrábida, highlighting one of the five round towers, which became religious in 1250. A merchant from the British Isles, Hildebrando, built a small chapel to Our Lady, as a tribute for being saved from a shipwreck.
