Faro
is the administrative centre of the Algarve region with a population
exceeding 40.000 people. The city has both Roman and Arab ruins,
but most of the attractive older buildings have been built after
the catastrophic earthquake of 1755. During the 500 years of Moorish
occupation the city, then named Ossónoba became an important
trading port. With the decline of the former capital Silves, Faro
took over the role of the administration for the whole Algarve.
The old part of Faro, still surrounded by Roman walls, is attracting
tourists from all over the area. You can still see the open square
that once used to be the Roman Forum. Interesting buildings are
the 13th Century Cathedral, the Episcopal palace and the 16th Century
Convent, now turned into an archaeological museum. The church of
Nosso Senhora do Carmo is an excellent example of gold-leaf woodwork
and contains a chapel lined with the bones of more then 1.200 monks.
The Naval Museum next to the small boat basin presents the maritime
history of the region with an interesting selection of model boats
and galleons. Faro hosts many attractive shops and restaurants,
and in the old part the visitor can find all kind of Azulejos, the
typical hand painted tiles.
At the sea side Faro is surrounded by the Ria Formosa, a nature
reserve of 17.00 hectares and stopping place for migrating birds.
The airport of Faro is connecting the Algarve with most European
capitals by direct flights and handles several million passengers
a year.
