Sé de Faro

Visit the monumental Cathedral of Faro, or Sé, and its museum.

Cathedral of Faro
© Câmara Municipal de Faro

Orange trees bloom all along the Largo de Sé, the vast square where the Cathedral of Faro stands. Built by command of King Alfonso IV, the cathedral stands over the ruins of a mosque dating back to 1215 (shortly after the Arabs took the city of Faro). Even more, under the mosque lied a previous Hispanic-Gothic church.

Sé de Faro
© Celestino Manuel

Although it can be loosely associated with the transition between the Romanic-Gothic and Renaissance styles, this church does feature a myriad of architectonic styles. Only the base of the bell-tower remains from the primitive church. The third floor of the tower was never restored and now appears in a state of decay.

Three naves of four segments each compose the interior of the church, characterised by the wooden ceilings and Doric-order columns, which date back to the 16th century. The cathedral is also home to a museum exhibiting several religious objects, paintings, and garments of great beauty.

The Gothic chapel boasts an impressive coffered ceiling covered in 17th century tiles, and the presbytery features a valuable Renaissance reredos. The wooden organ, painted in red and decorated with Chinese motifs, is also a must-see.

Climb to the top of the Medieval tower and enjoy some amazing views over the walled city and coast of Algarve.

More information:

Location:

Largo da Sé, Faro.

Ticket Price:

3€.

Opening Hours:

The museum opens Monday through Friday from 10:15 to 17:00 (until 18:30 during the summer).

Telephone:

(+351) 289 806 632.

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal