One of these stories alludes to the origin of the name Lagoa das Sete Cidades. According to legend, during the Muslim invasions of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century, seven bishops, who lived on the edge of the future Condado Portucalense, were forced to abandon the peninsula, and set out to sea in search of Antília, which was already an ancient legend at the time.
Centuries later, this island remained extremely coveted, especially by the Portuguese kings. During the discoveries, the search for it provided great inspiration and motivation for the navigators. Thus, according to legend, a caravel sailed from Portugal destined for the island of Sete Cidades.
It is said that the caravel sailed the extensive sea for a long time and faced storms and sea monsters. However, after one of these storms, in the clearing of mists, an island was spotted, on which the caravel quickly embarked.
For three days, the sailors remained ashore, seeking to establish relations with the local monarch. During this time, they visited palaces, forests and lakes, also studying the customs of the communities that lived there.
After the three days, the sailors disembarked with the intention of presenting the king with this discovery. However, as they moved away from the island, it was enveloped in mist, disappearing as if by magic.
After the king was told of the expedition and the adventures that had taken place there, fleets were sent to establish relations with the island. However, it was no longer there and had disappeared. For centuries, they searched for it until one day they came across it again. However, it was now uninhabited and had consequently been settled by the Portuguese. The Portuguese then named the iconic cauldron Lagoa das Sete Cidades.
