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

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Silves

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

    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

    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

    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…

  • Igreja da Misericórdia

    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 …

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Plan with a local

Articles

Latest stories from Silves

Tips & Advice

Spending Diary: a five-day trip to a remote corner of Algarve

Nov 13, 2019 • 10 min read

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