Faro Historic District
Image gallery of the most important places of the historic district of Faro (Vila Adentro) on the border of the Ria Formosa lagoon , surrounded by huge ramparts
Faro: Arco da Vila
Access to the historic quarter Vila-Adentro from the Jardim de Manuel Bivar by one of the three mediaeval gates. The façade was added in th 19th century. A statue of the patron saint of Faro, Thomas of Aquin stands above the arch. As in many other places in the Algarve, storks nest on top of the belfry and neighbouring rooftops.
Faro: Arco da Vila
The arched ceiling inside the Arco da Vila is a fine example of the regional architecture and the centuries-old craftsmanship.
Faro: City Wall
This is the eastern part of the huge old wall surrounding the historical old town (Vila Adentro) of Faro. Next to it the square Lardo de São Francisco is located.
Faro: Dom Afonso III
This tiled image in front of the Arco do Repouso, the entry to the historical old town of Faro from the Largo de São Francisco, depicts the moment when the Moors surrendered Faro to King Afonso III in 1269.
Faro: Arco do Repouso
Arco do Repouso, one of the three mediaeval gates to the Vila-Adentro, in the direction of Largo de São Francisco. According to the legend this is where King Afonso III rested after defeating the Moors. The white Towers were only added in the 13th/14th Century to strengthen the original Moorish wall behind.
Faro: Cathedral Sé 1
Faro: Cathedral Belfry
The square tower of the Cathedral is worth a visit. From the top you have a marvellous view over the old town and the Ria Formosa
Faro: Cathedral Courtyard
Faro: Palace of the Bishop
Since 1577 Faro is the seat of the Bishop of the Algarve. The Episcopal palace, built between 1581 and 1585, situated at the Largo da Sé opposite the cathedral, was restored and expanded after the earthquake of 1755.
Faro: Bishop Seminar
During the 18th and 19th century a bishop seminary was built on the left side of the palace.
Faro: Memorial of Afonso III
Memorial of king Afonso III, who freed Faro from the Moorish occupation. In the background you see the municipal archaeological museum.
Faro: Museu Municipal
The former convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção has been transformed into the municipal museum of the city of Faro, inaugurated in 1973.
Faro: Vila Adentro
Vaulted cellar underneath the former gallery in the historical old town.
Faro: Vila Adentro
Vaulted cellar and well
