Churches to Visit in the Algarve

The Algarve has a significant religious heritage. Among the many churches scattered throughout the region, some are worth mentioning for its architectural value and historical interest. Some of the cities with the most important churchesa are:

Tavira: The church of Santa Maria do Castelo (18th century), which replaced an ancient mosque, is ornamented with three altarpieces in different styles

Faro: The Cathedral of Faro (18th century), maintains the original line, the tower of the façade and the pointed portal. The two side chapels, one 17th century altarpiece and the baroque organ are already later additions.

Loulé: The church of São Clemente in Loulé, built during the 16th century on an ancient mosque, proudly showing the bell tower adapted from a Muslim minaret, and Gothic main portal.

Silves: The ancient Silves Cathedral, built during the 18th century, with its beautiful apse in red sandstone, and ornaments with the royal coat of Avis.

Lagos: The interior of the Church of Santo António (18th century). This church of a single nave, has a magnificent set of carved wood.

Vila do Bispo: Inside Sagres Fortress, the small Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça takes the place of the ancient Church of Santa Maria, founded by Infante D. Henrique and destroyed by the attack of the English corsair Francis Drake.