Silves Cathedral, Algarve
Silves Cathedral (Sé) in the historic city of Silves dates from 1189 and was built over an existing Muslim mosque. Silves Cathedral was subsequently rebuilt after the final Reconquista (Reconquest) of Silves in 1249.
History
After damage in the 1755 earthquake, the church underwent further renovations. The red sandstone (grés de Silves), fortress-like Gothic structure has a decorative interior and is regarded as the Algarve's most dramatic church.
Interior
Silves Cathedral is a Latin cross church with a three-aisled nave, transept and three chapels in the east end. The interior of the church contains impressive columns, windows and ceiling decorations.
The entrance portico is said to resemble that of the Monastery of Saint Mary of Batalha.
The church experienced further renovation in the 18th century with the introduction of new altars and altar pieces.
Access & Hours
Silves Cathedral
R. da Sé, 8300-140 Silves
Tel: 28 244 2472
Hours: 9 am-5.30 pm. Check for the full hours of opening at Silves Turismo near the river as entry times may vary.
Nearby
Right opposite Silves Cathedral is the 16th century Igreja da Misericórdia, which has a fine, Manueline doorway, one of the most important pieces of Manueline architecture in the western Algarve.
Silves Cathedral is also within easy walking distance of Silves Castle, the Tourist Information Centre and the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves.
