What to see and do in Loulé
There are always lots of things to do in Loulé; visit the Saturday market and the daily market, take a look around Loulé castle or visit one of Loulé's churches. Loulé has lots of events on throughout the year from jazz festivals to the famous Loulé carnival.
Churches in Loulé
Igreja Matriz (Mother Church): The bell tower remains from the Mosque which once occupied the site, it was built in the 12th century and then modified in the 16th century.
Igreja N.S. da Conceição (Church of Our Lady of the Conception): Dating from the 17th century, it contains precious "azulejo" tile panels and a rich gilt carved altarpiece.
Nossa Senhora da Piedade: A modern dome shaped building reminiscent of a space ship - can easily be seen on a hill, just to the west of the town, from the A22 motorway
Igreja Matriz de São Lourenço - just to the east of Almancil, was built at the beginning of the 18th century by, so the story goes, thankful locals who had suffered a drought and discovered a spring when they were digging for water. The blue and white azulejos (glazed tiles) that cover the interior of the church and also the very intricate woodwork were supplied by the top craftsmen of the day. It survived the 1755 earthquake intact and is now probably the best known church in the Algarve
Areas of interest in Loulé
Jardim dos Amuados (Garden of Sulks): An ancient Arab cemetery inside the castle walls.
Loulé Castle: 13th/14th century fortress, of Arab origin, with three towers, a turret and a stretch of ramparts with a walkway along the top.
Municipal market: Open every day except Sundays, well worth a visit!
Don't forget the Saturday market so you can treat yourself to some traditional delights! It takes place at the end of Rua da Nossa Senhora da Piedade, facing the convent of St. António.
