Description of the attraction
Loule is located in the central part of Faro District. This small town was founded in 1266. The weekly fairs held there attract tourists from all over the Algarve.
In the architecture of the city, especially in its central part, the influence of the Moorish culture can be traced. In the north of the city, the Arabs built a castle, rebuilt in the 13th century. A wonderful view of the city opens from its walls. The city art gallery is located in the monastery of the Holy Spirit. Attention is drawn to the Church of St. Clement, which is located in the middle of a small square. The church has two side chapels from the 16th century, decorated with panels from azulesos, and a nave with Gothic ceilings has also been preserved. The Church of Mercy attracts with an interesting portal in the Manueline style, and in the Church of Our Lady of Conceisano you can admire the Baroque altar by Miguel Nobri, decorated with scenes from azulesos.
The hallmark of the city is the City Market, Mercado Municipal, which was opened in early 2007 after a long renovation. Local farmers sell fruits, vegetables and fish at the market. You can watch how baskets of willow rods are woven, harnesses and horseshoes are made. The city is also famous for its spontaneous gypsy market, which is open on Saturday mornings.
The most famous and brightest holiday not only in Loule and the Algarve, but also in Portugal, is the carnival, during which the central street of the city is closed. The carnival lasts three days, begins on the third day of Maslenitsa, in February, and is somewhat reminiscent of Brazilian carnivals, when people go out to watch the colorful procession passing by, listen to music and join the dancers.
