Faro
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Faro is a bold, energetic, modern city with attractive shopping precincts, good restaurants and a bustling nightlife. Despite this, it retains the sense of a true Portuguese fishing port. Faro is most famous for housing the international airport, handling millions of passengers a year, and being the hub of the tourist industry. However Faro is often overlooked as a tourist destination in itself, it is a fascinating town worth taking the time to explore.
Faro is the administrative centre of the Algarve region with a population of over 40,000 people. During the 500 years of Moorish occupation the city elevated itself as an important trading port, eased by the simultaneous decline of Silves, Faro took over the role of capital for the whole Algarve. The port still remains the focus of the city, but the access to the sea is via a channel between the salt-flats. Importantly it was the last key city in completing the Christian reconquest of what is now Portugal. The diverse history and numerous occupations give Faro a particularly colourful history. Influences from Roman to Moorish to Arab can be seen throughout the town's spectacular architecture. The old roman walls attract people from all over; in fact, you can see the open square that used to be the roman forum. It is truly a town drenched in an amazing history. During the Moorish occupation some Jewish inhabitants were among the first to produce copies of the Old Testament. It is claimed that the first Portuguese book was printed locally in the Jewish community's initiative at the end of the 15th century. Shopping is centred along Rua Santo Antonio and the Rua Francisco Gomes, with a colourful daily produce market on the Largo do Mercado where you can get a real taste for local delicacies! The old town has its own atmosphere and charm with many places to buy Azulejos, the traditional hand painted tiles Places of Interest Nossa Senhora do Carmo - The absolutely stunning "golden" church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo ( Chapel of Bones) is claimed to be the best example of gold-leaf woodwork in southern Portugal. With all of the gold imported form Brazil it is a definite must see. Amongst it attractions is the macabre and bizarre spectacle of a chapel lined with the bones from over 1.200 monks, not for the faint hearted! all viewable for EUR 1. Faro Cathedral - The 13th century main chapel boasts a fine throne and two Italian canvasses. Many of the smaller chapels are considered are jewels of baroque art, with carvings; inlaid marble, tiles and paintings. The two collateral chapels are among the best examples of baroque carving in the Algarve. Other key things to look out for are two extremely rare lamps depicting black people, an important collection of relics and the tomb of the cathedral's founding bishop, the tile decoration and gothic structure also deserve a mention. Misericórdia Church- Built at the end of the 16th century instigated by bishop Afonso Castelo Branco the church with its adjoining hospital is the only church in the Algarve built in the form of a Greek cross .The earthquake of 1755 like many buildings in the region caused extensive damage, prompting a new facade and hospital by the Italian architect Francisco Xavier Fabri. Episcopal Palace - A perfect example of cha architecture, again rebuilt after the earthquake. The roof is a beautiful and important example of rocaille tile decoration from the third quarter of the 18th century. However be aware that access is restricted. Lethes Theatre - A former college of the Society of Jesus, this building has the sober facade typical of Jesuit buildings. It was converted into a theatre in 1845 and is an stunning example of a 19th/20th century provincial playhouse. Its interior is a mesmerizing display of gold and silver and beautiful fresco ceiling. Museums in the area include the Algarve Regional Museum, Maritime Museum and a 16th Century Convent, now turned into an archaeological museum. Ria Formosa Lagoon Nature Reserve - Faro is the home of the stunning Ria Formosa lagoon nature reserve. Stretching for over 170 square kilometres it is a stopping place for hundreds of different birds during the spring and autumn migratory periods. Here you can see an impressive display of flamingos taking to the air. Beaches Faro offers some truly unique beaching experiences thanks to its sand dunes, spits ad islands. On many of the beach islands you can end up a having a whole island to yourself. There are also many water sports available for the active of us. Ilha de Faro very easily accessible by road unlike some of the other beaches in the area, and has a small nucleus of beach houses, restaurants and other facilities. Ilha de Barreta This island is truly calm and solitary, no regular ferry connections create absolute tranquility. It is an excellent destination for anyone who has hired a boat or is lucky enough to have their own. Ilha do Farol again perfect example of tranquility bar a few fishermen's cabins, there is nothing on these islands but sand Culatra A former fishing village this extensive beach is quiet, with a family atmosphere. Regular steam boat services run to the Culatra beaches from Faro (summer) and Olhão (all year). Interesting as Faro is, full of history and intrigue, and in spite of the fantastic beaches on offer if you are really after the 'fun in the sun' factor perhaps moving on to some of the other beaches along the coast such as Albuferia or Portimao would be better. |
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