Silves

We enjoyed Silves so much on our first visit to Portugal back in February 2010 that we have come back  twice now since we have returned to the Algarve this past December.

What is the appeal?  How about the dark red of mighty castle walls that loom over the city and the surrounding countryside.

This being the first thing you see while entering Silves peaks ones curiosity to see more.

Driving over the Arade River it seems as if you've stepped back in time, yet there is an appeal of where past merges with present.

As an example, we drive over a newer bridge that is only a few yards from a bridge dating back to the Medieval period, until only a few years ago it was this structure that connected Silves to the coast.

I have so much to share with you about this great spot in the Algarve, but in this post I am going to focus on the biggest castle in the Algarve and the most beautiful military monument to the Islamic period in Portugal.  The imposing Moorish "Castle of Silves"

 

It has its origins in the ramparts built around the town during the Moorish occupation, probably on the site of late Roman or Visagothic fortifications (4th /5th centuries).

Its eleven towers, two of which are barbicans - joined to the ramparts by a supporting arch that holds up the walk way - and thick walls enclose an area of approximately 39,370 feet.

Twice during the 1700’s the Algarve was rocked by heavy earthquakes which seriously damaged the castle. The first time was in 1722 and the second time was 1755. It was not until the start of the Second World War in 1940, which Portugal played no part in that the castle was restored.

The double entrance is the gateway defended by two towers and the opening of the `traitors' gate in the north facing walls still remains. Four of the towers have gothic doorways, vaulted halls and stones bearing the marks of medieval masons.

Inside the castles walls, nothing remains of the original Moorish buildings.

For only 2 euros per person, it is the ideal space for enjoying a trip into the Portuguese past and for appreciating the fabulous view over the city, countryside and the River Arade below, from what is surely the most beautiful vantage point in Silves. Having been classified as a national monument since 1910, Silves Castle is today the largest, most important and best conserved castle in the Algarve.

If you would like to see more pictures of this interesting castle just click on "Where's Debbie" and then on the album "Silves Castle"

Lunch in Silves

Our next day (Feb 12) in Ferragudo starts with a morning rain, but that's not going to stop us from exploring the "Algarve"!

Alice picked us up and we first stopped at a little cafe for coffee and a "Pastel de Nata".  Okay, this is my new favorite pastry!  A little custard filled tart, sprinkled with cinnamon.

(photo courtesy of Nice House Photos)

After a little tour of "Ferragudo", we head inland about 15 miles to the city of "Silves".   This city was once the capital of the whole district and was still referred to in the 19th Century as the “Kingdom of the Algarve”.

As we enter into the city we can see the 11th century "Castelo de Silves". 

Silves castle was built in the 4th/5th centuries during the Moorish occupation.  It has seen alot of destruction though the years including two heavy earthquakes in 1722 and 1755.  In 1940 the castle was restored.

We drove over an old Roman bridge that spanned the "Rio Arade" to our lunch destination, Valdemar.  This was a great family owned outdoor restaurant where the cook was already grilling our Churrasqueira (chicken pira pira) on the open fire grill just in front of our table.

We enjoyed our Churrasqueira along with a salad, fries, some goat cheese and of course a nice Portuguese red wine!

Well as if that wasn't enough food, Alice has us over to her home for some more traditional Portuguese food.  She proceeds to whip up a home made soup of cabbage and veggies, a octopus salad with green olives, tomatoes, onion, cucumbers and a dash of olive oil.  We also enjoyed platters of raw salmon, avocados, oranges, kiwi and some goat cheese.

And let's not forget about that glass of Portuguese red wine to end the day just right!

There are some more pictures of our day at "Where's Debbie".  Just click on the album "Lunch in Silves"