Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves)
The Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves) has exhibits on the history and archaeology of Silves from prehistoric times to the 17th century.
Opened in 1990, the Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum is located just below Silves Cathedral and Silves Castle. The museum is built over an 18 meter-deep, 4 meter wide well that dates from the Almohad establishment of the city in the 11th century. The site was formerly occupied by a 19th century residence before the building was demolished to form the museum.
The well can be viewed at the bottom of a spiral staircase and is part of a superb collection of Islamic artefacts from the Moorish occupation of Portugal during its early second millennium history.
A wall of the early fortifications viewed from behind a glass screen is also on display along with one of the most important collections of Islamic ceramics in Portugal.
Also on view are the usual Algarve finds from Roman, Visigothic and "Age of the Discoveries" times along with Iron Age funeral monoliths.
The upper floor gives access to an outer wall of Silves Castle with great views over the historic town and the Arade River.
The upper floor also hosts temporary exhibitions on such themes as fado, the Portuguese guitar and the Silves Medieval Fair.
Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum
Rua das Portas de Loulé, 14
8300-139 Silves, Portugal
Tel: 282 444 832
Hours: 10 am-6 pm. Check for the full hours of opening at Silves Turismo near the river.
A combined ticket with Silves Castle can be bought on entry.
The museum is within easy walking distance of Silves Cathedral, Igreja da Misericórdia, Silves Castle and the medieval bridge over the Arade River.
