Silves, Medieval municipality in Algarve, Portugal.
Description
Silves is a city in southern Portugal's Algarve region, spread across a large territory and characterized by red sandstone buildings. The settlement sits on the Arade River and is marked by a hilltop fortress that defines its skyline.
History
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times and became an important administrative center during the Moorish period. This early prominence shaped how the city developed over centuries.
Culture
The cathedral reflects the shift from Islamic to Christian rule, a change visible in how the town is organized and used today. Walking through older neighborhoods, you notice how different religious traditions shaped the layout of streets and buildings.
Practical
The city is connected by roads to coastal towns and has regular bus services to larger regional centers. Visitors will find the administrative hub with local services and facilities that are accessible throughout the day.
Did you know?
The red sandstone castle perched on a hill dates from the 11th century and is the largest and most complete fortress in the region. Beneath its walls lie archaeological layers that span thousands of years of human activity.
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Praia da Marinha
10.6 km
Praia da Senhora da Rocha
10.5 km
Castle of Silves
944 m
Aquaparque Slide & Splash
6.1 km
Algar Seco
10.5 km
São Bartolomeu de Messines
15.3 km
Paderne Castle
20.9 km
Algoz
11.7 km
Fort of São João do Arade
10.6 km
Silves Cathedral
891 m
Fort of Nossa Senhora da Rocha
10.6 km
Spray Park
13.5 km
Alcantarilha
7.2 km
Alte Waterfall
23.2 km
Fort of Santa Catarina
11.3 km
Cruz de Portugal
1.2 km
Portimão Museum
10.7 km
Parchal
9.1 km
Fábrica do Inglês
813 m
Praia Grande
10.7 km
Praia dos Caneiros
11.3 km
Castle of Albufeira
19 km
Igreja Matriz de Lagoa
5.6 km
Castle of Alcantarilha
9.9 km
Convento de São Francisco, Portimão
10.7 km
Estádio Municipal de Albufeira
19.6 km
Ponte Velha de Silves
611 m
New Portimão Bridge
7.4 km
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