Arco da Vila - Gateway to Faro's Old City: Most tourists visiting the Old City of Faro will no doubt have walked through Arco da Vila at the south end of the Jardim Manuel Bivar. This arched gateway is a national monument which leads into the Old City of Faro. Arco da Vila was built by the architect Francisco Xavier Fabri for Bishop Dom Francisco Gomes do Avelar in the 19th century. It sits on the site of a medieval castle gate. It was Dom Francisco who took upon himself to re-design the … [Read more...]
Faro – Algarve
October 17, 2009 by
The Administrative Capital of the Algarve: Faro has been the administrative capital of the Algarve since 1756. The word Faro comes from Farum which was taken from the last part of the name of a past Moorish governor. When the Moors ruled Faro, they renamed the town in the 11th century after one of their princes, Muhammad bin Said bin Harun, the town's governor from 1026-42. Faro's Cultural Heritage During prehistoric times Faro was a fishing village. But like many European towns and cities, … [Read more...]
Algarve sweets at Faro's best coffee shop
October 13, 2009 by
Portuguese love their Sweets and Cakes: The Portuguese we are told are sweet-toothed and have a great love of cakes. This we find out for ourselves to be absolutely true as everywhere we go, there are pastelarias and cafes with counters that are stocked full with all kinds of sweet delights. Our Portuguese tour director, a man who confesses to a love of food and cooking, gives great tips on what to try at each morning and afternoon stop. For those of us with a sweet-tooth and not much in … [Read more...]
