Faro Things to Do

2 more images

Igrega do Carmo is everything the guide books say and more. For some reason, we had a hard time finding Largo do Carmo, ( possibly the ugliest Largo in Faro ) and by the time we got there I was exhausted. The fact that the church itself was closed didn't help but miraculously, five minutes later the doors opened and we had this riot of Baroque excess all to ourelves for a while. This church fulfilled all my expectations of Portugese Church Architecture : intricate carving, gorgeous tiling and an altar of almost celestial golden beauty. The gold is Brazilian and this church is claimed to be the best example of gold leaf-woodwork in Southern Portugal ( photo 1). Outside it looks quite austere which makes the interior all the more surprising and exciting (Photo 2). On our way back to the town centre we visited the Church of Sao Pedro which has some very fine examples of massive murals all done in the traditional blue azulejos.
Sao Pedro is just across the square from Igrega do Carmo, so you can visit them both, one after the other.

4 more images

Faro's Cathedral is described quite rapturously in several of the books I've read but inside and out, I found it a little disappointing. There are several treasures, especially in the side chapels but I find the claim of 'The best example of Baroque carving in The Algarve' a little difficult to accept. Inside, I loved the stained glass windows, bordered by azulejos (photo 3)and the tiled ribbed vaulting, (photo 4) but was not tempted to linger too long. Outside it's a bit of a mish mash with only the surviving main doorway and bell tower, looking remotely cathedral-like. This of course is because the original building was mostly destrioyed during the British attacks of 1596 and the great Earthquake of 1755.

Outside is the large expanse of Largo da Se, much too big and irregularly shaped to be called a square. Built on the site of the old Roman Forum, it's a fabulous space, housing the Cathedral, the Bishops Palace and the Town hall and lined all round with Orange trees bursting with fruit and colour ( photos 2 & 5). A great place to amble round and take close up photos of oranges. Colourful, beautiful and very Portugese, don't miss Largo da Se.

4 more images

As mentioned in the previous tip, Faro's Old Town is entered and exited by two magnificent arches. On entry the walls are not very visible, except when you turn to look back but at the other end, near the remains of the Castle, they have been restored, to quite an impressive level ( photo 2). Only parts of the original 9th century Roman fortifications remain but the restoration is quite tasteful and in places, the height and yellow blocks, reminded me of the walls of Jerusalem ( photo 3). The effect of the walls and the castle ruins peeking overhead is best observed from the water and can be seen quite clearly in Photo4. One of the most endearing things about Faro is the storks nesting on high buildings. On the Arco da Vila there are several nests and this is repeated on almost every tall building in the area. Not having a zoom lens with me, I have no good pics of the storks but if you click on Photo 5 , you will see a stork nesting on the rooftops.

4 more images

Faro's Old Town is, to use that hackneyed phrase, a little gem. It's small, quiet and wonderfully atmospheric. You enter through the 18th century Arco da Vila ( main photo on the Introduction page) walk uphill through impeccably cobbled streets framed by elegantly balconied houses ( photo 2) and arrive at the Largo da Se.Further on is the Praca Alfonso 111, where the Muncipal Museum stands and off these squares in every direction are little streets and lanes which just beg to be explored. You can walk from one end of the Old Town to the other in about 30 minutes and leave by the other Arch, the Arco da Repouso, emerging by the edge of the water on the Largo da Sao Francisco.

What's special about this part of town is that there are no postcards or souvenir shops, just a few bars and restaurants and in parts an almost rural atmosphere ( photos 3 & 5). I do appreciate that it might look a little different in high season but on the second week of February it was an absolute joy.

3 more images

Vila Adentro is the old core of Faro. This large area is enclosed by walls. Here you can see the Cathedral, the Monastery of Nossa S. ra da Assuncao, the Palacio Episcopal and many streets bordered by white buildings.

The original cathedral was built in the 13th century on the site of a mosque. It was largely damaged during the 1755 earthquake.

The monastery of Nossa S.ra da Assuncao was founded by Queen Leonor; wife of John II. It hosts the Municipal Museum (see tip...) and has a beautiful cloister.

Inside Vila Adentro there are also some cafes and a shop where you can buy books, postcards and souvenirs.

The Bishops Palace was built after the pillage and Burning of the former episcopal dwelling by British Troops commanded by the Earl of Essex in 1596, It is one of the most relevant buildings of plain architecture in the algarve.

3 more images

Faro’s main attraction is its quaint old town surrounded by Walls which date back to Roman times, visitors can wander and enjoy some architectural sightseeing and brush up on their history. It really is beautiful. l

The "golden" church of Nossa Senhora do Carmois is claimed to be the best example of gold-leaf woodwork in southern Portugal. It also contains the macabre spectacle of a chapel lined with the bones from over 1200 monks!