The Red Castle Of Silves and other Silves, Portugal Things to Do Tips

The impressive remains of the castle dates back to Moors and has been constructed from a lovely Red stone making the Castle even more impressive. It was Rebuilt in the 13thC and again in the 18thC being damaged in an Earthquake. The Castle has an Irregular polygonal shape with a Keep, 3 towers and 7 wall sections which are topped by merlons. Currently a lot of Archaeological work has been carried out in an around the castle and Gardens and although it was due for completion in 2006 it is only now nearly finished, the gardens and new exhibition centre in its pool of pebbles and water canals are looking great.

Open Daily: July-Aug 9am - 8pm: Sept-June 9am-6pm: Last entry is 30 mins before closing time
Entry is only 1.25 e Under 12's free

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Directions: You can't miss it

A reminder of the Roman occupation is the Ponte Romana, a fine strong bridge over the Rio Arade below the city walls It was rebuilt from the original in the 15th Century.

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The Cathedral of Silves is just below the Castle. it was Built on the site of The Grand Mosque and was The Algarve's most important Church between 1242 and 1577 when the Bishopric was moved to Faro after Silves lost it's role as a major port.

The Cathedral has Gothic towers and a somewhat rigid military appearance. it was damaged in the earthquake but the exterior has been restored since. I believe that the interior is not as impressive as the exterior would lead you to believe due to some poor restoration but the walls are lined with the tombs of Bishops and Crusaders who died while taking Silves back from the Moors, Unfortunately while i was there i was unable to go inside as there was a service being held.
But i went again in 2007 and was able to go inside and it is really nice, very Gothic which is just up my street. I have added some photos of the interior and better photo's of exterior

The Cathedral is open Mon-Sat 8:30am-6:30pm, Sunday limited hours between services
Entrance is free

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Fabrica ingles (English Factory) is an exhibition centre theme park which is set in a former cork factory. A series of bars and cafe's are clustered around a courtyard which has been filled with outdoor tables underneath Lovely scented orange trees. It hosts the Silves Beer Festival which is held in July as well as many other festivals and exhibitions.

On Friday nights there are usually special events like sound and light shows or just live music.

It also incorporates a Museum dedicated to the local Cork industry.

I parked next to it, walked through it and had a drink in it and can't find a single photo, I will take some this year and put them on.

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Phone: 282 440 480
Address: Rue Gregorio Mascarenhas
Website: http://www.fabrica-do-ingles.com

Opposite The Cathedral is The Igreja da Misericordia, This 16th c Church has some lovely interior and exterior decoration Including a fine Manueline doorway and 7 impressive religious images painted on wood, It also houses art exhibitions.

Entrance is free it is open Monday to Friday 930am - 1 pm & 2- 5.30 pm

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Address: Rua da Se

The Torreao da Porta da Cidade or ' Turret of the city gate' is certainly an impressive structure and gives a good impression of how seriously the defense of the city was taken. it now houses the Municipal Library.

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The Museu Arqueologia or Archaeological Museum contains an impressive collection of of items from Stone age pillars, Roman artefacts, Moorish and other later Portuguese Pottery. The focal point of the collection is the old well that is still intact and in it's original place. You can also get onto some parts of the old city wall which offer some great views.

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Phone: 282 444 832
Address: Rua da Porta de Loule

Silves is a great place to see many wild birds and probably the most impresive of these birds is the Stork, Building it's large Nests on the top of the old Moorish chimneys and the corners of buildings make it the most famous and most photographed bird on the Algarve.

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