Silves

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Portugal, Algarve, Silves, Old town with Cathedral and castle

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Overview

Silves' winding backstreets of whitewashed buildings topped by terracotta roofs climb the hillside above the banks of the Rio Arade. Crowning the hill, hulking red-stone walls enclose one of the Algarve's best-preserved castles. Situated 17km northeast of Portimão, the town makes a good base if you’re after a less hectic, noncoastal Algarvian pace.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Castelo

Silves

This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…

Sé

Silves

Just below the castle is the sé, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier mosque, then rebuilt after the 1249 Reconquista and subsequently restored several…

Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

Silves

Built tight against the defensive walls, this archaeological museum has a mix of interesting finds from the town and around. The modern building was…

Centro de Interpretaçao do Património Islâmico

Silves

This interpretative centre promotes the network of Islamic routes through Portugal, Spain and Morocco, with a small but interesting exhibition on…

Igreja da Misericórdia

Silves

The exterior of the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia is plain apart from its distinctive, fanciful Manueline doorway hanging well above street level …

Casa da Cultura Islâmica e Mediterrânica

Silves

Built with an art nouveau flourish in 1914, this wonderfully restored neo-Moorish cultural centre 600m west of the centre hosts occasional exhibitions,…

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