| The history of Faro goes back a long way, even to | | | | Faro Old Town is just full of them. This 17th Century |
| the Romans who spent time there. While many | | | | chapel overlooks a picturesque square and holds an |
| remains and legacies of architecture still remain from | | | | amazing configuration of woodcarvings and paintings |
| these times, a huge earthquake that shook the | | | | illustrating scenes from the Old Testament. Even with |
| region 250 years ago damaged many of the buildings | | | | all this amazing history to explore, Faro can also |
| and monuments. However, it is still possible to see | | | | display a more modern side and the restaurants and |
| complete structures from before that event, such as | | | | cafe culture make spending time here a very |
| the massive walls that were built around the original | | | | enjoyable thing to do |
| village that eventually expanded into today's city of | | | | In the main square of the Old Town, you will find the |
| Faro. These walls were built in the 9th Century in | | | | remains of a former military barracks. Within the |
| order to repel invaders. | | | | construction it is possible to see an excavated |
| The main archway that leads through to Faro's Old | | | | Roman Arch and Moorish foundations. No longer used |
| Town is certainly one of those stunning structures. | | | | as a barracks, the building has been transformed into |
| This arch, known as the Arco da Vila, was built | | | | a flourishing art gallery, and now showcases both |
| around one thousand years ago and marks the | | | | local artists and exhibits by international artists too. |
| entrance to the Old Town, where you can explore | | | | However much you enjoy the history and past of |
| quaint narrow streets and many styles of | | | | Faro, you'll always appreciate a spot of modern |
| architecture. Walking through these streets is much | | | | luxury and convenience when you head back to your |
| like entering a time capsule reflecting Faro's 'golden | | | | accommodation at the end of each day. Villas in Faro |
| era' of the 16th Century. | | | | offer the ideal choice for those who want to enjoy |
| Legends and gargoyles are part of the allure of Faro | | | | their holiday on their own timetable, rather than being |
| Not far from the Arco da Vila is the Sé Cathedral, | | | | forced to stick to the routines that come with |
| built in the 1300s, partly destroyed in the earthquake | | | | staying in a hotel. You can hire Faro villas in a number |
| was lovingly rebuilt in the 1700s, using a fusion of | | | | of locations that will bring you as close to the |
| Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance styles. To see | | | | Portuguese pace of life as you want or give you |
| exhibits that date back to Faro's origins, the various | | | | pure relaxation and isolation, perhaps watching |
| museums in the city, in particular the Museu | | | | brightly painted fishing boats bobbing about in a |
| Arqueologico, are full of treasures. Originally a | | | | secluded bay. Despite the fact that Faro is full of |
| convent, this magnificent building is decorated with | | | | ancient charms, the villas themselves are not ancient |
| gargoyles and is home to a massive Roman floor | | | | a, you will find that they are equipped with all the |
| mosaic, a collection of Moorish oil lamps and a | | | | modern luxuries you need to enjoy the best of |
| stunning 16th Century Eucharistic safe. Small churches | | | | holidays. Hiring villas in Faro allows you to explore the |
| and chapels were a feature of the Algarves past and | | | | past while holidaying firmly in the present. |