Silves

  2. Silves

Silves is the second largest municipality in the Algarve, with eight parishes that traverse the coastline and algarvian barrocal. Bathed by the river Arade, is known as the red city, greatly because of the stone-sandstone that spreads on the ramparts and the abundance of orange groves, a landscape that you can enjoy from the viewpoint. The locality was named for Xelb after the invasion of the Moors. And it was during the Arab occupation who were edified the main monuments that constitute its current assets and liabilities, where stands the castle of Silves, Algarve's largest, and one of the most remarkable works of military architecture bequeathed by the Arabs. Stroll the Square Al'Mutamid, an ex-libris of the municipality named after the poet-King, and later visit the Cathedral. The economy of Silves was greatly influenced by the Cork industry, heritage evident in the old Cork Factory, now known as English factory, which houses a museum dedicated to the evolution of this industry. The cultural level, highlight is the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, the well-Cistern Arabic and the Igreja Matriz de São Bartolomeu de Messines. But it is during the Medieval Fair in August, Silves is filled with color and animation. The event seeks to recreate the time of the Christian Reconquest, a return to the past, where the characters parade of the season with matching outfit, creating a party atmosphere throughout the historic city centre. With regards to gastronomy, are in this Council some of the best-known seafood restaurants from all over the Algarve, where there is no shortage of territory the clams, conch, shrimp, clams, prawns, lobsters, a treat for lovers of fish and seafood. The fishing village of armacao de Pera, seaside resort very busy – and only in this county-very nice beaches, modern tourist complexes. The location deserves to be observed the fortress of armacao de Pera, whose interior houses the chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Aflitos.

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Best Of Silves

Castelo de Silves

Silves

Silves castle is the biggest castle in the Algarve and one of the most remarkable works of military architecture inherited from the Arab occupation. Its structure was made up of several elements: the Alcáçova (fortress), the Almedina walls (at the central part of the fortified town), the Couraça (armour), the Arrabalde walls (located at the suburbs of the fortified town) ...

Aqualand

Silves

This water park offers a world of attractions. Enjoy slipping in "Minhocão or Banzai Boggan, who will slide on water 23 feet tall. If you prefer something quieter, try the wave pool or the "Congo River". There are many idealized ...

Menir dos Gregórios / Pedra dos Cucos

Silves

Subelipsoidal, narrow shape monolith, carved in red sandstone, dated to the final Neolithic. Currently it is listed. Are classified as Property in the public interest.

Ponte de Silves

Silves

Roman bridge built over the widest point of the river Arade. The bridge is only suitable for pedestrian crossing and features five round arches. Medieval bridge whose construction dragged on for several years and which has been subject to several ...

Fortaleza de Armação de Pêra

Silves

The fort was built mainly to defend this site and its people. People used to travel here from Alcantarilha (the capital of the parish) in order to fish and engage in other piscatorial activities and therefore needed some protection. A ...

Poço-Cisterna Árabe de Silves

Silves

Construction in masonry and taipa, circular shape, is enveloped by a staircase covered with vaults of segmented sections. It was built in sandstone of Silves in centuries XI and piling up in the 16th century. Located inside the Museum of ...

Igreja da Misericórdia de Silves

Silves

Church composed of a single nave and with a main facade equipped with a staircase with two flights of stairs. The façade also has a portico with a triangular pediment. On the inside, the church has a barrel vault and, ...

Sé Catedral de Silves

Silves

Gothic temple erected using local red sandstone. The temple has suffered quite a lot of alterations during restoration programmes. A portico with an ogival archivolt stands out in the main façade. The baroque style door dates back to 1781. The ...

Museu João de Deus

Silves

A museum composed of the museum itself, a library, a multimedia area, a play space and a multi uses room. The museum pictures the days when João de Deus lived. One may view reproductions of the life and works of ...

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves

Silves

A space created in 1990 by the Silves Town Hall that exhibits archaeological finds from the region and from the town itself. It is located in a 19th century house where a water reservoir was discovered that is now the ...

Praia de Armação de Pêra

Silves

Beach with an invitive and extensive strech of sand. It is attended mostly my national tourists. It has good quality water and normally the sea is calm. Since the sand

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição / Igreja Paroquial de Alcantarilha

Silves

Manueline temple where the chancel’s vaulted roof and the triumphal arch are worth special mention. Also of interest is the chancel’s 18th century altar piece, done in a rococo style, and the baroque chest of drawers in the sacristy. There ...

Parque de Merendas de Silves

Silves

Roadside park with trees. It has picnic tables and benches as well as artificial lighting.

Castelo de Alcantarilha

Silves

Small section of a masonry defensive wall that stands back to back to modern buildings.

Pelourinho de Silves

Silves

The only original element that is preserved is a Crown decorated with elements in the shape of a Fleur-de-lis which shoots the current composition. It is a symbol of municipal power and single copy throughout the Algarve.

Percurso Interpretação Ambiental da Praia Grande

Silves

In 1988, the Praia Grande was classified a "Praia Dourada” (meaning golden beach) by the Ministry of the Environment. To highlight the event, a walking trail is proposed to all that visit the beach. The tour is designed so that ...

Cruz de Portugal

Silves

Located in the environs of Silves, this engraved cross dates back to the 16th century. It is three metres high and is engraved in sedimentary rock. One of the sides depicts the crucifixion and the other one the descent from ...

Praça Al'Mutamid

Silves

Al'Mutadid, lord of Seville, conquered the city of Silves in 1053 and his son, Al'Mutamid, was appointed to rule over it at the tender age of 12. It was during this time that, alongside Ibn Ammar, a local poet, Al'Mutamid ...

Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires

Silves

Nothing remains of the original 12th century temple. The tower’s battlement row and the main chapel’s archway were both built in the 16th century. There is a cinquecento altar-piece, and the 16th century facade is made up of ashlar masonry ...

Teatro Mascarenhas Gregório

Silves

Italian-style theatre founded in 1909 by Gregório Mascarenhas. After spending decades in ruins, it now preserves its historic value and its facilities favour audience/stage interaction.

Miradouro da Cidade de Silves

Silves

Viewpoint with views over the city of Silves. It has stone benches from where you can enjoy the landscape.

Praia Grande

Silves

The sand is clean and the beach is protected by a wide dunes area to the north, as well as by rocks to the east.

Quinta da Tapada do Gramacho

Silves

Ancient farmhouse located in Silves, close to the river Arade, transformed into a Guest House of design, with three rooms and six suites. All rooms were decorated by artists, with personalized and with different themes. The estate also has a ...

Jardim de Algoz

Silves

Garden with plenty of trees and, therefore, plenty of shaded areas. Ideal place to rest for a minute or two.

Igreja Matriz de São Bartolomeu de Messines

Silves

Temple built in the 16th century, during the transition period between Manueline and Renaissance style. It has an interesting baroque façade, added at a later date, with white walls and masonry work in red sandstone. The slender pulpit and corresponding ...

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