Description of the attraction
Silves is located on the banks of the Arade River and was once the capital of the Algarve region. The first settlers appeared here in the Paleolithic era, as evidenced by archaeological finds. For several centuries, starting from 713 and almost until the middle of the 13th century, the Moors ruled the city. In 1242 the Moors were expelled from the city. On the site of the mosque, which was built by the Moors, was erected the Cathedral of Silves - the Cathedral of Se. The cathedral has been reconstructed more than once. The central and side aisles are in the Gothic style. To this day, part of the city walls of the Almohad, built of concrete, have survived, as well as the Almedin gate.
Among the sights of the city, it is worth highlighting the Church of Santa Misericordia. The side entrance to the church is made in the Manueline style. Also in the city is the famous Cork Museum, located in the building of an old cork factory. This museum was awarded the title of "Best Industrial Museum in Europe". The Archaeological Museum attracts visitors, where you can see tools of the Stone and Iron Age, ceramics, jewelry, pottery.
Another reminder of the Moors is the castle, built of red stone between the 8th and 13th centuries. The walls were restored in 1940, the square towers of the castle have been preserved. A walk through the castle will be a real pleasure for connoisseurs of antiquity. Inside the church, the vaults of an Arab cistern have been preserved, which served to supply water to the inhabitants of Silvish.
