There have been many people who have travelled here, and with so many traces of those times, the Algarve has a wealth of information and heritage to discover.
Firstly, about the Algarve, from the Roman presence to the long Muslim heritage, from the Christian reconquest to the epic of the Portuguese Discoveries, there is no shortage of reasons to rediscover signs of a historic past in Algarve lands.
The marks of human presence in the Algarve go back to time immemorial. Examples of this are the ancient Neolithic remains and the more recent, but no less interesting, Roman archaeological sites, which are open to visitors. A visit to the region’s past and its valuable history is also made by visiting the various archaeological museums, which contain a vast heritage yet to be discovered.
The Algarve region, inheriting ancient civilizations, has functioned as a pivotal intersection for diverse peoples, benefiting from the vast sea that caresses its shores.
About Algarve region, with its rich heritage and strategic coastal location, served as a significant crossroads for ancient civilizations. The immense sea that bathes its shores facilitated connections with various peoples.
Over more than five centuries, Arab influence has left an indelible mark on the region’s destiny. This enduring legacy is evident in the village names, agricultural practices, and architectural marvels that grace the Algarve. The lacework of chimneys, as well as the whitewashed lime adorning many houses, further testify to this cultural heritage.
Silves located strategically, emerges as the central hub of the region.
In the mid-13th century, the Algarve became the final territory in Portugal to be liberated from Muslim rule. The Christian reconquest, led by the Knights of the Order of Santiago under the leadership of Paio Peres Correia, brought an end to the Arab presence. This occurred during the reign of King Afonso III
Silves, Tavira, and Faro, the present capital of the Algarve, were decisively reclaimed from the Moors, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Portugal and the Algarves.
In the early 15th century, Portuguese maritime expansion injected new vitality into the land and people of the Algarve. Moreover, Lagos and Sagres forever became synonymous with Prince Henry the Navigator and the Age of Discoveries. Furthermore, even today, at Ponta de Sagres, a magnificent stone finger stands as a vivid tribute to the courage of Algarve’s navigators. For instance, it honors individuals like Gil Eanes, who boldly ventured into uncharted territories to expand humanity’s horizons.
In this way, the profound historical imprints of the Algarve continue to resonate throughout the region, shaping its soul and leaving an everlasting legacy.