Palácio Episcopal de São Brás de Alportel, Episcopal palace in São Brás de Alportel, Portugal.
The Palácio Episcopal is a late 16th-century building with a main residence, a private chapel, and a baroque fountain featuring eight spouts. The fountain displays the coat of arms of Bishop António Pereira da Silva and stands as a focal point of the courtyard.
The palace was built in the late 16th century when the diocese headquarters moved to Faro, and it served as a summer residence for the bishops of the Algarve region. Its design reflects its role as an episcopal retreat during the regional administrative shift.
The palace now houses an arts and crafts center where local artisans display their work and traditional Portuguese techniques. Visitors can observe craftspeople actively engaged in their daily work at this venue.
The site is open for visits on select afternoons, and guided tours can be arranged through the municipal tourism office with advance notice. Visitors should check ahead to plan their visit appropriately and ensure tours are available.
The former palace gardens were transformed into a public space featuring municipal swimming pools and multiple levels integrated with recreational areas. This repurposing blends the site's historical heritage with contemporary community amenities.
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