Silves is a town in Portugal, located in the Faro district, in the Algarve region, in the Algarve subregion. The town is the seat of the municipality of the same name.
*The medieval festival, Feira Medieval de Silves. Silves is famous for having the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. The city stands out among other towns in southern Portugal for its Arabic architecture. Every year during the summer, usually in August, the city hosts the famous medieval festival (Feira Medieval de Silves), which attracts many tourists. It’s a fantastic event full of music, belly dancing shows, fire dancing, and a fantastic atmosphere. If you’re planning a trip to Silves, it’s worth planning a visit in August to participate in this incredible festival.
*Silves, the capital of oranges. Besides its historical heritage, Silves is also recognized and famous for its oranges. In 2016, the Municipality of Silves decided to create the “Silves: Capital da Laranja” brand, highlighting the importance of this fruit in the region. Portugal’s connection with oranges dates back to the 16th century, when they were introduced to the European market by Portuguese merchants, leading to them being called “Portuguese oranges” in many countries. Silves also created the “Rota da Laranja” orange route, a tourist attraction that allows visitors to learn and experience from the inside all the processes related to this fruit, from its production and processing to its final consumption.
*Silves Castle is the city’s most iconic monument. Built during the Moorish occupation of the Algarve, it is today the best-preserved castle in the region. Its dark red stone walls can be admired from afar, perched high on a hill offering stunning views of the city. The castle contrasts with the labyrinth of whitewashed houses and cobblestone streets leading to the river.
* Gothic Cathedral. Silves is home to a Gothic cathedral, known as the Sé de Silves. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a mosque. The cathedral was severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake and later rebuilt. Today, this cathedral is considered by many to be the most important Gothic structure in the Algarve. The cathedral is located in the upper part of Silves, a rather steep climb from the lower part of town. Entrance to the cathedral costs €1.50. If you’re interested in religious buildings or architecture, this cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
* Roman Bridge. The ancient Roman bridge (Portuguese: Ponte de Silves) spans the Arade River. Dating back to the 14th century, the bridge is part of Silves’ cultural identity. It is classified as a public monument. The bridge is for pedestrians only. Cars must use another bridge to cross the river.
A bit of history. The city was founded before the Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. The Romans gave it the name Cilpes; conquered by the Arabs in the 8th century, it became the provincial capital and was renamed Xelb. During the Reconquista, the city changed hands frequently, finally being captured on September 1, 1189, after a months-long siege by Sancho I, King of Portugal.
