Places to Visit - Silves
Monday, 16th November 2009
Silves is an ancient town, with roots going back to Phoenician times. Located 5 miles inland from Lagoa, and some 38 miles from Faro. Albufeira is about 20 miles to the east and Lagos a similar distance to the west.
In Moorish times, the town was quite wealthy, but its prosperity dwindled as the Rio Arade river silted up, denying access to the sea.
The town was virtually destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, but there are remains of the castle, built of red sandstone, which is worth a visit. There is also an impressive Meseu Arqueologico, which houses relics going back to the Stone Age.
Silves has a very jolly beer festival in June, when copious volumes of beer from all over Portugal are sampled and consumed to the accompaniment of loud music and folk dancing. Having recovered from the Beer festival, the next main event is the Medieval Fair, which lasts for 9 days each August. It celebrates the times and events of the 11th to 13th Centuries, when the town was the subject of clashes between Christians and Moors. There are parades, tournaments, dancing, music, and lots to eat and drink.
