Attractions in Faro
Faro and the Algarve are attracting the most people first and foremost because of their good climate and long coastal area with bathing beaches. This is where the sun worshipers come when they have decided to vacation in Portugal.
But in Faro there are also attractions and sights for those who want to enrich the soul and mind with culture, architecture and history.
Cathedral of Faro
The local name is as simple as Sé and the cathedral Sé dominates the heart of Faro’s old town. Originally this was a Gothic church, but much of it was destroyed during the earthquake in 1755. Of the original church, only the tower remains. Take the tour as the church has a very beautiful interior.
Address: Rua Domingos Guieiro
Archaeological Museum
Museu Arqueologico is the most famous attraction in Faro and is not far from the Cathedral. The house that the museum is located in dates back to 1518.
In addition to archaeological finds, there are also exhibitions of 19th-century paintings, gold and silver jewelry and much more. Open from 1000 to 1200 and from 1400 to 1800 every weekday. Closed public holidays. Address: Praca Afonso III.
Museo Maritimo (Maritime Museum)
The harbor commander’s office north of the harbor also houses a maritime museum. Here you will get a thorough introduction to the history of famous seafarers and an introduction to fishing traditions in and around the Algarve coast. Usually open from 1430 to 1630 every weekday. Closed on weekends. Address: Rua da Comunidade Lusíada Capitania do Porto de Faro
Museu Etnografico
The Ethnographic Museum offers exhibitions on local culture, handicraft objects and the like about the people of this region. The address is Praça da Liberdade, 2, just off the Franciscan Church. Opening hours from 0930 to 1230 and from 1400 to 1730.
Praca de Dom Francisco Gomes
Northeast of the harbor you will find a statue on a pedestal erected in 1910 in honor of the diplomat and statesman Ferreira d’Almeida who is a born child of Faro. You will find the statue furthest west in R. Joao Dias Street.
Jardim Manuel Bivar and Igreja da Misericórdia
Along the street Jardim Manuel Bivar there is a beautiful garden with beautiful flower beds, palm trees and other types of trees which makes it an oasis in Faro. Here many of the city’s older guards pull off a chat and study public life. Here you will also find Igreja da Misericórdia, a church dating back to the 1300s.