Five architectural must-sees in Faro

A historical tour for all culture vultures

Perched at the mouth of the Ria Formosa, these days Faro is a holidaymaker hotspot. But this popularity is far from recent – given its prime location, the Algarve capital has long been a top choice for settlers, leading to a rich heritage of diverse cultures.

Primarily a Roman settlement, from the 8th century onwards the city was under Moorish rule surrounded by thick fortified walls. And from the 13th century, Christian rule prevailed and Portuguese King Afonso III took control. Faro’s economic prowess boomed in 16th century when it became a key trading hub for the Algarve, a status that it retained for several years.

With this rich history, including Muslim, Jewish, and Christian influence plus the wealth garnered from the busy port, it’s absolutely no surprise that Faro’s architectural heritage is amongst the richest in the world. Find out more about these five hotspots - a must for any culture vultures in the region.