Faro, Historical Town - Gallery

Faro: Largo de São Francisco

The square adjacent to the historical old town is a convenient parking space. Although parking is free of charge here, locals expect some money if they help visitors to find a slot. On special occasions the square is used for fairs and exhibitions.

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: Capela do Repouso

The little chapel is integrated into the doorway Arco do Repouso from the Largo do São Francisco to the historical old town.

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: Arco da Vila

View back to the Arco da Vila in the direction of the Jardim de Manuel Bivar. The old town wall, errected during the moorish period by the principal Ben Bekr, still almost completely surrounds the historical quarter Vila-Adentro.

Faro: Lane in the historical old town

Lane in the historical old town with one of the best restaurants in Faro, Faz Gostos

Faro: Gallery Trem

Faro: Old house

Typical old house in the historical quarter Vila-Adentro near the Largo de Sé and the Sé Cathedral. The roof is composed of separate pyramidic hip roofs, covering the different parts of the building.

Faro: Cathedral

The Sé Cathedral, located in the Largo da Sé, was originally built in the 13th/14th century after the Moorish period where a former mosque was placed. The main portal and square tower are witnesses of that time, the rest was constructed between the 15th and 18th centuries.

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 Câmara Municipal

View from the belfry of the cathedral to the town hall (Câmara Municipal) of Faro, located on the Largo da Sé adjacent to the palace of the bishop.

Faro: City hall

Entry hall and stair case of the town hall

Faro: Antique tiles

Behind this facade in the historical old town of Faro, overgrown with bougainvillea, you will detect a real treasure - one of the geatest selections of historical tiles (Azulejos).

Faro: Antique tiles

This unique shop, located in the historical old town of Faro, is presenting a fantastic collection of ancient tiles.

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: Lane with gate

Lane in the historical old town, leading through the Arco do Repouso to the Largos de S. Francisco, the large parking outside the city walls

Faro: Arco da Porta Nova

This small portal goes to the promenade on the Ria Formosa. Crossing it by car is a challenge.

Faro: Museum of toys

This building is located on the southern wall near the Arco da Porta Nova.

Faro: Quay

View from the walls of the old town to the promenade and the quay at the Ria Formosa. From here the ferry boats to the islands Ilha da Barreta, Ilha da Culatra (Ilha do Farol) and Ilha da Armona debark. In the background you can see the Faro International Airport and the silhouette of the Ilha de Faro.

Faro: Historic Town Archway

During the 18th and 19th century a bishop seminary was built on the left side of the palace. Both buildings are connected by an archway, which provides pretty views onto the small, traditionally paved road.

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: Restaurant Vivmar

This simple restaurant near the marina of Faro belongs to the association of mussel cultivators of the Ria Formosa.

Restaurant Vila-Adentro in Faro

Faro: Promenade

View from the historical old town to the promenade and the adjacent Ria Formosa. In the background you can see the airport.