Silves
Places of interest in Silves
Silves is a compact town built on a series of terraces between the River Arade and the Silves Castle.
First settled by Phoenician traders their riverside colony grew to become the Roman city of Sibilis, and then, from the 8th century, the Moorish city of Xelb. The Christians finally gained control in 1242. Much of this magnificent city was badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake. But reminders of its powerful past can be seen in the sandstone walls of the impressive Castle, which provides fantastic views from its battlements over the surrounding countryside.
The castle, where excavations have turned up relics from the Iron Age, the main Cathedral or Sé and the Archaeological Museum are all worth exploring. So too are the narrow, winding streets whose white-washed houses are the perfect background for the colourful bougainvillea, for the glimpses between houses of the River Arade, and the rolling hills of orange and lemon groves.
Down by the riverfront there are several restaurants to choose from, you can enjoy a stroll and admire the Roman bridge. Another place of great interest is the Fabrica do Ingles (literally, the Englishman’s factory). Once a cork factory, now a leisure complex with gallery space, restaurants, street entertainment in the open courtyard and fabulous water show with lights, music and a laser show against the walls of the Castle. The complex also features a cork museum - winner of the Best Industrial Museum in Europe - that celebrates one of Portugal’s most important exports.
Sé de Silves (Cathedral of Silves)
is next door to the castle and opposite is the 'Igreja da Misericórdia' (Church of Mercy) is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. Construction was started during the 13th century, but it suffered damage in an earthquake in the 14th century and was undergoing major works for some time afterwards.
The Municipal Museum has collections of archaeological finds from throughout the municipality of Silves, including a collection of Moorish ceramics from digs conducted at the castle.
The museum also contains a well-tank, dating back to Moorish times (11th century). The well was blocked up in the 16th century and the house which now contains the museum was built over it. Interestingly the rear of the museum building backs on to a section of the city ramparts.
'Cruz de Portugal' (the Cross of Portugal)
is an impressive sight, standing at 3m tall and made out of limestone. It is located just to the right of the roundabout that leads to the castle, at the eastern end of the river front and originally this was the location of the old road that used to constitute the link with the north and with the kingdom of Portugal (where the name perhaps comes from). Although the exact date of construction is not known, it is believed to be 15th century or beginning of the 16th century. Recognised as one of the most beautiful crosses in Portugal, Cruz de Portugal has a representation of the crucifixion on one side, and on the other the Mater Dolorosa. The base dates from 1824.
