General information about Silves
Silves is a quiet town located in the central south of the Algarve in Portugal built on the banks of the Arade River. Before Faro, Silves was the official capital of the Algarve region and is considered one of the oldest areas in Portugal.
Silves is a city with a rich history, which can be seen in the walls of the medieval castle, in the Gothic cathedraland in the old Roman bridge crossing the Arade River. Each of these monuments is a memory of civilizations that have passed through Silves in the past.
History of Silves
For nearly five centuries of Arab rule in Portuguese territory, Silves became known as the “Baghdad of the West.” The wealthy and prosperous city was fought over by both Christians and Muslims.
The area had been inhabited since Paleolithic times, but the city reached its peak after the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in 713. In the 10th century, Silves, then called Xelb, was the capital of Al-Gharb , the area now known as the Algarve. In 1189, King Sancho I recaptured the town for the Portuguese with the help of a hired army of Northern European crusaders. Silves was recaptured by the Moors two years later, until it finally fell into Christian hands in 1249.
Silves from a bird's eye view - video
See below in the video what the city looks like from a bird’s eye view.
How to get to Silves?
Silves can be reached by car, bus, train and even by boat from the nearby city of Portimão. If you plan to use public transportation, you can check departure times below and book a bus or train ticket to Silves.
What is Silves known for?
Feira Medieval de Silves medieval festival
Silves is famous for the best-preserved castle in the Algarve. The town stands out from other towns in southern Portugal for its Arabic architecture. Every year during the summer, usually in August, the town hosts a famousmedieval festival(Feira Medieval de Silves), which attracts many tourists. It is a sensational event full of music, belly dancing shows, fire dancing and a great atmosphere. If you plan to be in Silves, it is worth planning a visit just in August to attend this amazing festival. Below you can see a video promoting the event.
Silves the capital of oranges
In addition to its historical heritage, Silves is also recognized and famous for its oranges. In 2016, the Municipality of Silves decided to create the brand “Silves: Capital da Laranja” (Silves: capital of oranges) highlighting the importance of this fruit in the region.
Portugal’s connection to the orange dates back to the 16th century, when it was introduced to the European market by Portuguese merchants, causing them to even be called “Portuguese oranges” in many countries.
Silves has also created the “Rota da Laranja” orange route, which is a kind of tourist attraction that allows visitors to learn about and experience from the inside, all the processes involved in this fruit, from its production and processing to final consumption.
What to do in Silves?
Silves is a beautiful historic town worth visiting while in the Algarve. See below the main attractions and sights of Silves.
Silves Castle
Silves Castle is the city’s most flagship monument. Built during the Moorish occupation of the Algarve, it is today the best preserved castle in the region. Its dark red stone walls can be seen from afar, as it sits high on a hill with an incredible view of the city. The castle contrasts with the maze of whitewashedhouses and cobblestone streets leading to the river.
Gothic Cathedral
Silves is home to a Gothic cathedral, called Sé de Silves. It was built in the 13th century on the site of a mosque. The cathedral was heavily damaged by an earthquake in 1755 and later rebuilt again. Today, this cathedral is considered by many to be the most important Gothic building in the Algarve. The cathedral is located in the upper part of Silves. It is quite a steep climb from the lower part of town. Entrance to the cathedral costs €1.50. If you are interested in religious buildings or architecture, this cathedral is definitely worth a visit.
Roman bridge
There is an ancient Roman bridge (Portuguese: Ponte de Silves) over the Arade River. The bridge dates back to the 14th century and is part of Silves’ cultural identity. It has been classified as a public monument. The bridge is for pedestrians only. To cross the river, cars must use another bridge.
Organized tours
A visit to Silves is a sensational idea for a day trip and a break from the beach. Combine a tour of the town with wine tasting, a boat cruise on the Arade River or a visit to Monchique. See below for ideas on organized tours.
Car Rental and Accommodation in the Algarve
If you’re traveling to the Algarve and looking for a rental car in the Algarve itself or at Lisbon airport, be sure to check out this offer >>, while if you are looking for accommodation in the Algarve, be sure to read this article >>.
