Algarve Tourism Guide - Algarve History Museums

Albufeira History, Algarve Moors History & Faro Portugal & Museums

Albufeira's name has Arab links dating back to the 8th century when the Moors were here. They called it Al-Buhera which translates as 'Castle on the Sea'. For 5 full centuries Al-Buhera, alongside Faro, was a hotspot for trade under the Arabs, particularly with North Africa. Wander around the old town in Albufeira, and make the link between the narrow streets here and Moorish influence.

Within the old town area of Albufeira look for the partial old remains of city walls around the main clock tower which once encased the town - the wall was all but destroyed by the 1755 earthquake. Other historic buildings in Albufeira include mostly churches and religious buildings. The main church dates from the 18th century with a statude of Nossa Senhora da Orada (Our Lady of Supplication?!) which dates further back from the 15th century. Continuing on the Albufeira church trail others on the list include the again 18th century Church of Sao Sebastiao with it's particularly interesting Manueline styled side door.

Historic Faro, the centrally placed coastal capital of the Algarve is a joy, and well worth at least a day trip of your time. The old town area of Faro couldn't be further away from Faro Airport and its industrial surrounds. As you enter the narrow cobbled streets of the old town via the imposing neoclassical Arco da Vila. you're in for a historic treat of a tour through numerous historic buildings and some fascinating architecture.

Visit the Municipal Museum in Faro for a real journey through Algarve history spanning through various occupiers including the Romans and Moors who dominated the Algarve prior to Christian reconquest and used bases such as Albufeira, Faro and Tavira as their main trading posts for trade with North Africa. Moorish influence, if not the survival of Moorish architecture obliterated by Christian conquerors, can be seen in Algarve architecture. Many Algarve churches were built on the site of mosques.

Portugal Algarve Castles, Tavira, Castro Marim, Algarve East Historic Sightseeing

Tavira's history is there for all to see in its diverse architecture. The Romans built an arched bridge over the River Rio Gilao (although the one you see today is a 17th century reconstruction), and the 8th century Moorish castle looms high over this historic Algarve centre (although again this was largely rebuilt by Christians). Tavira's many churches were funded off the back of Portuguese wealth accumulated from the colonies, and baroque window and iron wrought balconies adorn old houses lining the banks of the River Gilao.

Popular as a history packed Algarve daytrip, Tavira today pulls in the tourist crowds. Other delights to attract include some delightful specialist shops, a central bustling square - Praca da Republica situated adjacent to the river and lined with bars and chic cafes, and Tavira's nearby crowning glory - the stunning beaches of Ilha Tavira. Festival time in Tavira is towards the end of June around the 23rd and 24th - sardines are rather popular during the Festa de Cidade. Tavira Tourist Information Centre, Rua da Galeria 9, Tavira, Algarve. Tel: 281 322 511.

Pushing inland from Monte Gordo you arrive at Castro Marim, famous for its two mammoth castles high up on hills, well one is officially a fortress. The original castle to the north of Castro Marim was built in 1319 and served as headquarters for the crusading Order of the Knights of Christ. It was an important centre this castle at Castro Marim, serving as a base from which the entire Christian reconquest of Portugal was planned. The Castle you see here today though dates from the 17th century. You can walk the entire perimeter of the castle, and inside visit the visitor centre for the Castro Marim Nature reserve, the Museu Arqueologico and the Igreja de Santiago - Henry the Navigator is thought to have prayed here.

Castro Marim Castle comes alive during the Feira Medieval which spans three days at the end of August/beginning of September annually.

1755 Lisbon Earthquake - Far Reaching Effects & Algarve Coast Destruction

The 1755 Lisbon Earthquake is a natural disaster that had far reaching effects, not just in its enormous destruction which devastated not just the city of Lisbon but key centres to the south and west including Faro, Tavira and Lagos, but also sparking off philosophical arguments across Europe and religious leaders using it to full effect, striking fear into people by suggesting that if they carried on sinning they'd end up like the people of Lisbon. The Lisbon earthquake wasn't the most destructive earthquake of all time, but it is a natural disaster which focused the world's attention on Portugal.

The Lisbon quake struck around 9.30am on Saturday 1st November 1755 on All Saints Day. There were 3 major quakes close together, the first shook the city and created alarm, but the second quake after a minutes pause was the one that caused most of the devastation. This quake lasted for around 2 minutes. A number of aftershocks were felt later in the morning, particularly one at 11am just before seismic waves crashed onto Lisbon quays as the Tagus rose up. This 11am quake levelled many buildings to the west of the city.

The effects of the Lisbon earthquake were far reaching indeed, and this fact is often forgotten today. Pretty much the whole of the south west corner of Portugal shook and considerable damage and more deaths were experienced in Setubal, Sacavem and across the south coast of the Algarve at Lagos, Faro and Tavira. That's not all, as the earthquake was also felt in North Africa and huge destruction occurred in towns such as Fez and Mequinez with very high death tolls. Details from the time reveal that the quake was felt as far as Algiers, across south west Spain, in the north of Portugal at Coimbra and at Seville and Cadiz in Spain. Apparently shocks were also experienced in northern Spain, in France as far as Bordeaux and reports of shakes even came in from North Italy, Brittany and the Scilly Islands off the Far West Cornwall Coast.

In a world where natural disasters were still closely linked to the hand of God, it's difficult to imagine today this far reaching effect on the Western World's pschye particularly. Evidence suggests that there were at least 30 aftershocks recorded in the week after the 1st November 1755 which kept general fear and hysteria alive. Damage on the Algarve and fear of vulnerability of invasion by opportunist African pirates was strong, so the Marques de Pombal swiftly sent down 5 companies of horse guarders to be based at Loule and Faro to keep an eye on potential danger points - a wise move which did much to reduce residents' fear down here.