Faro is the gateway to Algarve. Algarve’s name came from the Arabic phrase “al-Gharb al-Andalus” (الغرب الأندلس), which translates to the West of al-Andalus. So you’ll not be surprised to learn that Faro has a lot of history, from a very long time ago.
I love Faro, I’ve lived and worked here for a long time. So I’m thrilled to share with you the must see sights and a few little secrets only us locals know. Along the way you’ll learn about:
- Medieval gates, built originally by Romans and used to defend the city from armies to pirates.
- Hear the story of the American bomber forced to crash land during World War 2
- S̩ Cathedral Рonce a Mosque it was repurposed into the beautiful building you can visit today.
- Sea walls and pier – Get a sea taxi to the amazing Ria Formosa lagoon, teaming with wildlife.
- Cidade Velha – walk through the old town
- The Siege of Faro (1249) – King Afonso III led the Christian forces to capture Faro from the Moors. After a fierce battle, the city fell, marking the end of Islamic rule in the Algarve.
- Faro’s Jewish community left a lasting legacy in the realms of trade, scholarship, and culture.
- Igreja do Carmo (Church of the Carmelite Order) – Famous for its Chapel of Bones, this Baroque church is a must-visit for its artistry and macabre charm.
- Museu Municipal de Faro (Faro Archaeological Museum) – Housed in a 16th-century convent, the museum showcases Roman mosaics, medieval artefacts, and Islamic art
- And the horrifying history of the 1755 earthquake that wiped out Algarve and Faro.
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