Alvor

This town's long history is made plain from the discovery on hill of Vila Velha, which overlooks the Ria de Alvor, of a Neolithic village retaining traces of subsequent occupation by the Romans . Alvor was a thriving port during the period of Moorish rule . In 1189 the Portuguese army led by King Sancho I, with the help of Crusaders en route to the Holy Land conquered it and the ramparts defending it were the scene of violent fighting. It was retaken by the Moors in 1191 and was only returned to Christian dominion in 1250, at the time of the campaigns that resulted in the reconquest of the whole of the Algarve. The town walls were rebuilt in 1300 and Alvor was made a town by King Joao II, who died there in 1495. In the 15th and 16th centuries it was prosperous, but was laid low by the earthquake of 1755. The old town regained its former splendour. Alvor is still a charming and picturesque fishing village, with streets full of white houses and colourful boats which congregate around the old fishing market after a day out at sea.

Main Church - Built in the 16th century, this church was rebuilt in the 18th century The main doorway is profusely decorated and is one of the most beautiful churches in the Algarve with a side door are in the Manueline style. The columns supporting the three naves are part of the original structure, as are the fonts and the triumphal arch of the altar. The carved retable up on the high altar has an impressive life-size statue of Jesus and isdates back to the 18th century. A fine panel depicting the Saviour is also notable. The sacristy that adjoins the church is a former Moorish retreat.

This small, but nonetheless important church also contains polychrome tiles with two 18th century figurative panels - the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper - several statues and a number of tombs. There is an excellent view of the Ria de Alvor, the town and the encircling sea from the churchyard.

Castle - Two stretches of wall that were once part of the fortress and now have houses built against them are the only remains of Alvor's old castle.

Marabout Chapels of Sao Joao and Sao Pedro (St. John and St. Peter) - Cubic structures with spherical cupolas that testify to the Moorish influence, these chapels evoke the holy places where Moslems would bury the religious ascetics known as marabouts.

The Ria de Alvor - To one side the sea, to the other the liquid mirror of the vast estuary stretching inland, and between them a long, broad dune. Dozens of species of migratory bird make this beautiful setting their chosen nesting place. The salt marshes also support an interesting variety of animal life, while the local fishermen still use traditional techniques to catch fish and gather shellfish. To explore this memorable almost unknown facet of the Algarve by the diffuse light of dawn is to discover a world of total calm. Rent a boat at Alvor.