Faaborg is first mentioned in a document, located in the national archive in Paris, dated June 25, 1229. It is a gift document that gives Faaborg to Valdemar II of Denmark's daughter in law, as a morning present. It is mentioned as a castle, so it must have existed before this date. However the date has been used as the birth date of Faaborg and thus the city celebrated its 775 birthday in 2004. Nearby are located Egeskov Castle, Hvedholm Manor and Horne Church.

