For many the most beautiful part of the Ria Formosa, admirably preserved its charm and serenity. The beautiful walled town of Cacela-a-Velha, founded upon a fossil cliff with about a million years, it is contemplated the Ria Formosa and the barrier island where is located the sea beach.

Constituted crossing point for Greek and Phoenician navigators, and according to some authors have been Cunistorgis, the ancient capital of Cuneos. The Romans expanded it and the Arabs gave him prestige.

Cacela goes, in 713, to Muslim rule during the campaign Abdelaziz (son of Muça) in the Algarve and Alentejo. The Algarve coast was under the control of Yemeni and Syrian Arab clans, Cacela being dominated by Arabs from the group of Banu Darraj.

Cacela was a relatively large population of heart (district) of Ossónoba (Faro). His name was Hisn-Kastala, Qastallat Dararsh, Cacetalate or Cacila (meadow or cattle grazing), from which derive the current name.

It was defended by a castle dating from the IX-X century, the caliphate of the time, and would extend out of the walled enclosure, featuring a sea-agricultural nature.

During the Islamic period and the Middle Ages was an important population center, having been conquered from the Moors by D. Palo Peres Correia in 1240. According to legend, after the conquest of Cacela, truces were dictated, but seven Christian knights were killed treacherously by the Moors and so the fury of D. Palo came over Tavira and won it.

On July 17, 1283 D. Dinis granted charter to Cacela. Cacela in the county were integrated portions of existing parishes of Odeleite and Azinhal.

During the fourteenth century due to changes in the coastline and the constant pirate attacks the population began to leave the village and from inland, spreading by farms and farms of the rich agricultural lands stretching down the mountain. This trend will have accented especially since the Age of Discovery. While maintaining maritime activities, Cacela acquired a markedly rural nature.

Paper notes from 1465 no houses beyond the castle where the commander lived. Drawing 1617 shows an urban center consists of fortress, church, prior of the houses, home of the camera and pillory. The inhabitants lived outside the village. 1621 comes the “Relationship and Moth Cacela village,” Alexander Massai.

With the earthquake of November 1, 1755, “in Villa de Cacela (…) it ruined the Matrix, the Misericordia, the Chamber of Cazas, and will Fortaleza visinha fell the ramparts contanta violence, which threw the beach mounted cannons” [ in “Relaçam anno of November 1 the earthquake of 1755. With effeitos, which particularly cauzou this Kingdom of the Algarve”.
The “Charter of topographic vacant and fallow lands of the term of Casella village (…) in 1775″ shows an urban center consisting of church, fortress, pillory, priest houses, chamber and string and houses the governor.

As part of a political and administrative reform of the Algarve, Cacela chamber is abolished in December 12, 1775 by decree of King Jose I, and its united territory to the newly created Vila Real de Santo António. The Priory Cacela, with its commendation, had been transferred to Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the previous year. In 1784 (?) To Cacela Parish was created, by dismemberment of the parish of Vila Real de Santo António.

The Cacela peninsula

The Cacela peninsula is a dune system which is located on the east edge of the Natural Park of Ria Formosa, whose isthmus is next from Manta Rota Beach, and that by 2010 ended in Barra do Lacém; then this shoreline had two beaches: the Old Cacela Beach and the Beach Factory. Due to the opening of a new bar that year, currently the Beach Cacela Velha is located on the western end of the peninsula, while the Beach Factory occupies a sandy islet south of the village that gives it its name.

By separating the Ria Formosa sea, the peninsula protect this lagoon formation and all its natural values against the ocean thrusts. The whole peninsula is a sandy dune system covered by endemic vegetation that protects the natural erosion.

The beach of Cacela Velha

The beach or Cacela Velha Cacela Beach is located west end of Cacela Peninsula, south of the historic village of Cacela Velha.

In 2009 the beach of Cacela Velha was considered one of the ten best beaches in Europe for practicing caminhadas.2

The sandy peninsula due to its isolation, is away from the big flood of tourists that characterize other seaside resorts in the region. It is therefore much frequented by lovers of naturismo.3

Despite the limitations imposed by protected area, some world have invested fortunes in the region.

The beach of Cacela Velha is also popular with the gay and lesbian community and is considered the best beach in the country for this tourist segment, along the beach of Costa da Caparica 19. A beach figure in several national and international LGBT guides.

The details about the foundation and building of Silves Cathedral are unclear. In the process of the Reconquista, Moorish Silves was conquered in 1189 by King Sancho I of Portugal, but since the city was retaken by the Moors in 1191, it is unlikely that a cathedral was built at this time. Only in 1242 was Silves definitely reconquered by Christian knights during the reign of King Afonso III, and it is believed that this king was responsible for beginning the construction of Silves Cathedral as the seat of a newly founded Algarve diocese.

The works proceeded with difficulty, and in 1352 the cathedral was damaged by a strong earthquake. In the 1440s, the cathedral workshop was given a great impulse by King Afonso V. This building campaign produced the apse with its three chapels, the transept and the main portal, in Gothic style, dating from the 1470s. The three-aisled nave was only finished in the early 16th century.

When King John II died unexpectedly in Alvor (Portimão), near Silves, in 1495, he was provisionally buried in the main chapel of Silves Cathedral. In 1499, in the presence ofKing Manuel I, his remains were exhumed and transferred to the Monastery of Batalha, where John II was permanently re-buried; however, his tomb slab with a Gothic inscription is still located on the floor of the main chapel of Silves Cathedral. Many important personalities of Silves were buried in the cathedral during the 15th and 16th centuries, as attested by the many tomb slabs on its floor.

Economic difficulties and a diminishing population plagued the history of Silves in the 15th and 16th centuries, leading to the bishop staying for long periods away from Silves. The most notable of the bishops at this time was Jerónimo Osório, one of the greatest Portuguese humanists and theologians. It was during his rule, in 1577, that the bishopric seat was transferred from Silves to Faro, a more prosperous city located by the coast. In the next centuries the interior of the church was enriched with Mannerist and Baroquealtarpieces, some of which still exist.

The Great Earthquake of 1755 struck a terrible blow for Silves and its cathedral and destroyed part of the nave. The building was repaired and modified, replacing the simple Gothic forms of the upper part of the main façade with Rococo volutes. The bell tower and the south portal are also 18th-century additions.

In the 20th century, an extensive renovation of Silves Cathedral suppressed many of the Baroque additions and returned the building to a more “mediaeval” look.

From the outside, a striking aspect of Silves Cathedral is the contrast between thewhitewashed surfaces of the walls and the red sandstone (grés de Silves) of the apse, windows and main portal.

The main portal, executed in the 1470s, is inserted on a stepped rectangular moulding (alfiz), a common feature on the façades of Portuguese mediaeval buildings since the Romanesque era. Other primitive features of the portal are the figurative corbels of the upper cornice of the moulding, representing animal and human faces. The portal consists of a series of four columns and several pointed-arch archivolts. The outer archivolt is decorated with a series of reliefs of vegetal motifs and human figures, some playing musical instruments. The decoration of the capitals of the columns reveals the influence of theBatalha workshop, which was active in the 15th century. Interestingly, the portal of the main church of Portimão, located nearby, is almost a replica of the one in Silves and is believed to have been executed by the same artisans. The South portal is a Baroque addition (18th century).

Silves Cathedral is a Latin cross church with a three-aisled nave, transept and three chapels in the east end. The east side of the church with transept was built earlier (mid-15th century) than the nave (probably early 16th century). The eastern chapels and transept are covered by Gothic stone rib vaulting, while the nave aisles are covered by a simple wooden roof. It is likely that the original plan called for the whole church to be covered by stone vaulting like other Portuguese cathedrals built at the time, like the Cathedral of Guarda. The aisles of the nave are separated by arches of pointed profile supported by columns of octagonal cross section. The south transept arm is illuminated by a largemullioned window with Gothic tracery.

From archaeological excavations, it is assumed that the first fortress on this site consisted of a Lusitanian castro. It is believed that Phoenicans, Greeks and Carthaginians traversed the site at one time, but that around 201 B.C. the Romans conquered Silves, transforming it into a citadel of their occupation, and commercial center that prospered for the next five centuries.

Around 716, the Visigothic citadel was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate who reinforced the existing fortifications with a new series of walls. This new period resulted in a great period of development, under the Moorish occupiers, that include the extensive walls in the west.

 In 1160, it was sacked by Ferdinand I of León and Castile, but remained only for a short time in the hand of the Christians: it was quickly recaptured by the Moors. King Sancho I of Portugal, supported by the powerful Crusader army, conquered the city, after a prolong encirclement in 1189. But, a grande army, under orders from Amir al-Mu’minin, in 1191, retook the city. The buildings of the Taifa kingdoms of the 11th century, which includes the Palace of Balconies (where Al-Mutamid, lived as the poet Ibn Amarhe) progressed in the 11th century. The walls and towers that today represent the Castle of Silves came from these campaigns and public works by Almoravides and Almohads in the 12th and 13th centuries. The castles internal water catchment, and large rain fed underground cistern were used to provide freshwater for the surrounding dwellings (to as late as the 1920s). It would only be in the 13th century, during the reign of Afonso III of Portugal, that forces under the command of D. Paio Peres Correia, would definitively take the fortress.

A statute of Sancho I of Portugal whose forces, supported by an even stronger Crusader army, conquered the citadel of Silves in 1189.

A foral was issued in 1266 by King Afonso III of Portugal. In order to expand the influence of Portuguese control, this foral was then supported by residential concessions from King Denis (in 1305), that were later repeated in 1380, under King Fernando I of Portugal. But, even naming Prince Henry the Navigator alcalde for Silves (in 1457), and new concessions in 1487, under King John II, little development occurred in the territory.

Lisbon earthquake

On 1 November 1755, the castle was damaged by the Lisbon earthquake, resulting in the “…loss of its cathedral, tower, castle and walls…”, as identified by Moreira de Mendonça (1758). Sometime during the 18th century, the dungeons were reconstructed, following the earthquake, and the ceilings repainted.

Architectures

The castle consists of an irregular polygon implanted on a hilltop overlooking the community of Silves, comprising four towers and seven crenellated posts, linked by walls with ardaves.

Two gates, the principal one between two towers and the Traitor’s Gate carved into the northern wall. Alongside the principal gate is the guardhouse, constructed with a vaulted ceiling, and covered in tiles.

Within its courtyard are various subterranean structures, with accesses at soil level. The Cistern of Moura, is a 10 metres (33 ft) high, 820 square metres (8,800 sq ft) superficial area, with five naves marked by four orders of columns, interlinked by semi-circular archways. The Cisterna dos Cães, within the courtyard, is a vertical hole of 60 metres (200 ft) depth, that also supported water supply in the castle.

On the second floor of the Governor’s residence, there are two halls covered in painted wood. One of these halls includes a painting of royal arms, framed in shells and acanthus leaves, while on the four lateral panels, are military “trophies” comprising suits of armor, flags, lances, canons, muskets and drums. In the other hall is an allegory of Mars flanked by figurative and floral medallions.

In the military square, and alongside the southwest wall, are the vestiges of a house, presumably the residence of Prince Henry (when he was thealcalde of the Algarve), that includes foundations in dirt, a stone staircase (with a sigle on one flight), a spacious living room with the remains of a vaulted ceiling, olive oil press and pesto.

The visitor and interpretative centre within the shadow of the castle.

After 713, when the Moors invaded Iberia, Silves became part of the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba under the Arabic name of Shilb (شلب). In the 10th century it was one of the most important towns of western Al-Andalus. Silves became an independent taifa in 1027 under the rule of Ibn Mozaine and his son, who was dethroned in 1051 by al-Mu’tadid, the governor of Seville. al-Mu’tamid ibn ‘Abbad, the son of al-Mu’tadid and a famous poet, ruled the taifa of Silves until 1091. After the Almoravid conquest the town became Almohad in 1156. In 1189 King Sancho I of Portugal conquered the town with the aid of Northern European crusaders, but lost it again to the Almohads. Periodic raiding expeditions were sent from Al-Andalus to ravage the Iberian Christian kingdoms, bringing back booty and slaves. The governor of Córdoba attacked Silves in 1191, and took 3,000 Christian slaves. Again under Muslim rule, the city would then prosper to the point of being called the Baghdad of the West.

The town was finally taken from the last Muslim king Ibn Afan by Paio Peres Correia, Grand-Master of the Order of Santiago in 1242, after the Alentejo and most of the coast had already fallen in 1238. The great mosque was changed into Silves Cathedral(Sé Catedral). Silves declined in importance thereafter and was eclipsed in the region by Faro during the colonial period. In 1491, the town was given to queen Leonora by King João.

Parts of the Almohad town wall, constructed from poured concrete, have been preserved, as well as the Almedina-gate (Porta de Loulé). Other sights include the Santa Misericórdia Church with a fine door in Manueline style (the main body of the church was built in 1727-28); a museum for cork and the production of bottle corks in a defunct factory which is now also a centre for cultural events called “Fábrica do Inglês (The Englishman’s Factory); and the municipal museum (Museu Municipal de Arqueologia) with findings from the palaeolithic onwards.

The town is situated on a hill above the Arade River. Silves Castle (Castelo dos Mouros, Moorish Castle) is located on the top of the hill. It occupies ca. 12,000m². Archaeological excavations have shown that the oldest buildings date back to the 8th century, the stratigraphy is almost 6m deep and contains Iron Age remains as well. The walls are made of red sandstone (grés de Silves) with a pisé-core and have been heavily restored in the 1940s. Protruding towers of albarra-type protect the Northern slope. After the Christian conquest, the castle served as the seat of the alcaide-mor (provincial governor) till the middle of the 16th century, afterwards the towers were used as a prison.

This applies to the chimney so-called ex-libris of the village, built on the secular houses as a keep in miniature. In it, the mysteries involve questions in the reliefs, at the coronation in shots of pine cones, in the circle of staff ends, the wheel of curious rays. And most intriguing is the human figure patent it. Dating from 1793, this chimney is on the street chimney.

Close by, in the Mail Tray, rises another chimney, probably of the century. XVIII. It has four faces that rise by torn cracks vertically, showing up at the base four circular loops, one on each face.

In the same historic area of ​​Vila is another sign of the local genuineness of the chimneys. It is the Lion of Porches, century building. XVIII where the restaurant with the same name works, boasting a splendid fireplace that features a lion crowned with vine leaves.

Strolling through the village, notice on rooftops, will surely find many more deserving chimneys of his contemplation.

Built in the mid-sixteenth century on the hilltop where spreads the village, it is the most representative examples of Manueline architecture to be found in the western Algarve.

Built on an old hermitage dedicated to Santa Ana, presents confluence of different architectural styles, because of the extensive remodeling that was subject after the earthquake of 1755. The façade, flanked by two symmetrical towers, stands the rich Manueline portico, decorated with motifs vegetal and topped by a scallop, symbol of São Tiago – St. James.

They are also to highlight also the Manueline architectural style, the two side portals. Inside, next to the entrance porch, are evident two Manueline columns profusely carved with figures from all walks of life and a parade of musicians. The chancel Chapel holds a gilded altarpiece which identifies the figures of São Tiago e de São José – St. James and St. Joseph. Also noteworthy are the night chapels, which are tastefully baroque set design in carving and tiles.

History / Background History:

Milreu is the testimony of an important “villa” rustic Roman séc.I inhabited since the Christian era, with traces of occupation continued until the century. XI.

Located near the present village of Estoi and about 8 km from the city of Ossónoba (now Faro), Milreu benefited from mountain springs then there existing, whose water was driven by gravity, satisfying the everyday needs of rural and also strong experience playful.

In the fourth century was erected a temple richly decorated and kept still until the start of the vaults, for the private worship of the owning family. The temple was Christianized in the fourth century. In this period created a cemetery with graves surrounding the podium and with a small mausoleum.

In the fifteenth century on private divisions of ancient Roman house was erected a house / fortress, with strong cylindrical buttresses, which now constitutes a unique example of civil architecture rural.

The villa Milreu have a dimension of tens of hectares. Archaeological excavations have revealed a significant amount of archaeological finds, including the collection of mosaics is the most important estate, highlighting the still grounds relating to the marine environment.

The coatings with marmóreos dating from the third century AD, enhances the taste for oriental customs through the use of marble of various colors that sometimes coat the entire surface of a room.

The decorative pottery, as the brick was applied when the marble was scarce. The artist’s imagination, taste and fashion of the commissioner of time, provided the parts where getting translated the effort and passion for beautifying the town.

Thus, the walls of the finest divisions of the house were covered with rich marble and stonework in the form of pilasters addorsed to the walls, topped by Corinthian capitals, or naturalistic elements.

In the intermediate spaces, the walls plastered received the paintings in fresco: geometric compositions or paintings inspired naturalist simulated idealized landscapes. The location of the former is, in most cases, footers and only rarely on other areas of the walls or vaults.

In Milreu, you can see some traces of parietal decoration.

Decorative sculpture are striking portraits of emperors Agrippina, the young, Adriano and Gallienus.

The spaces intended for visitors in villae, as the atrium, the peristyle gardens, fountains, spas ninféus and were often decorated with carvings.

Memories of Monument

The discovery of the ruins

Since its discovery in the sixteenth century, the ruins of Milreu been the target of several considerations on the purpose for which they had intended. Defended ones – André de Resende (XVI century); D.Francisco Barreto (seventeenth century); Father Lima (Séc.XVIII), “the website of Milreu” was the former headquarters of Ossónoba (now the city of Faro). In years 30-40 century. XX, Abel Viana Lyster and Mario Franco, supported by research of a geological / archeological, argued that the former Ossónoba be tracked in Faro, where the current is off da Sé Milreu would then, in your opinion, a resort luxury and rest to enjoy the Ossonobenses.
The first archaeological investigations were carried out by Milreu Estacio da Veiga in 1877. Followed him Botto Canon Pereira, Santos Rocha and Leite de Vasconcelos. In the twentieth century – the ’60s – the German Archaeological Institute, provided important archaeological campaigns in Milreu, directed by Theodor Hauschil. Archaeologists uncovered put above the building complex of the century. III. Have yet to explore the initial constructions of séc.I., with mud walls based on masonry bases and on whose ruins were erected buildings more late.

More information: https://www.facebook.com/RuinasRomanasMilreu/