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Things to do in Silves
Silves is a very pictureque and historic town on the banks of the Arade river with the Castle and Cathedral on a hill overlooking it. Take a stroll along the river front, wander through the narrow, cobbled streets, walk around the castle walls - the view really is worth it. Visit the Fábrica do Inglês (a converted cork factory, now home to several restaurants) where there is often nightime entertainment. Silves also offers horse riding and golf.
Here you will find lots of information about things to do in Silves! Information about places of interest to visit, churches, galleries, museums, historical remains and leisure activities in and around Silves, west Algarve, Portugal.
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Areas of interest in and around Silves
- Barragem do Funcho - Funcho dam: The dam is well worth a visit - so peaceful and lovely views. Follow the N124 eastwards towards Messines and turn left towards Amorosa, Vale Fuzeiros and Barragem do Funcho. Follow the road until a turning on the right signposted to the dam. This road then gently winds up around the hillsides for 7km to give spectacular views of the dam itself and the reservoir.
- Lagoa is one of the main wine producing areas of the Algarve so if you would like to know more about them why not visit the Adega
Adega Cooperativa de Lagoa - Wine tasting tours:
09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 18:00.
Contact details : E.N. 125, Lagoa 8400-901.
Tel. +351 282 342 181
Fax +351 282 342 369
Churches in the Silves area
- Sé de Silves (Cathedral of Silves) is next door to the castle and opposite is the 'Igreja da Misericórdia' (Church of Mercy) is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. Construction was started during the 13th century, but it suffered damage in an earthquake in the 14th century and was undergoing major works for some time afterwards.
- 'Igreja da Misericórdia' (Church of Mercy), Silves: Opposite the Cathedral and originates from the 16th century.
- Igreja Matriz - São Bartolomeu de Messines: Originating from 16th century, with a style somewhere between Manueline and Renaissance, to which was added a baroque façade during the 18th century. The front of the church really is rather impressive with the contrast of white walls and red sandstone around the doorway and the tower stands tall amongst the other buildings.
- Igreja Matriz in Estombar: It has been classified as a national monument. It was built on a hill overlooking the village in the middle of the 16th century and is reputedly one of the best examples of manueline architecture to be seen in the barlovento region of the Algarve.
Galleries and Museums in Silves
 Municipal Museum:
The Municipal Museum has collections of archaeological finds from throughout the municipality of Silves, including a collection of Moorish ceramics from digs conducted at the castle.
The museum also contains a well-tank, dating back to Moorish times (11th century). The well was blocked up in the 16th century and the house which now contains the museum was built over it. Interestingly the rear of the museum building backs on to a section of the city ramparts.
Municipal Museum Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00 to 17.30, closed Sundays and holidays. Entrance fee 1.50€ (October 2007); free entrance for children under 14, students, teachers and Portuguese pensioners, but must be supported by documents.
'João de Deus' Museum - São Bartolomeu de Messines: The museum is next to the church in Messines. Messines is the birthplace of the 19th century poet, João de Deus, whose book "Cartilha Maternal" was widely used to teach reading and writing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the museum is dedicated to his work. Just inside the entrance are a selection of tourist information leaflets about Messines and the municipality of Silves and on the second floor some of the works of the poet are displayed
Historical remains in the Silves area
 Silves Castle:
Silves is a town full of history and a visit to the castle - the largest and best preserved in the Algarve - is a must! There is parking near the castle, but it can get congested so it may be easier to park at the bottom of the road- it is only a short walk from the roundabout near the 'Cross of Portugal'. Entrance is just 1,25€ (October 2007) and you can walk all the way around the walls, getting spectacular views of the town and countryside. There is currently work going on within the castle walls to provide gardens and what looks like a stage area - what a fantastic setting it will be! The castle is open from 9am to 5.30pm, the last entrance time is 5pm.
 Cruz de Portugal:
'Cruz de Portugal' (the Cross of Portugal) is an impressive sight, standing at 3m tall and made out of limestone. It is located just to the right of the roundabout that leads to the castle, at the eastern end of the river front and originally this was the location of the old road that used to constitute the link with the north and with the kingdom of Portugal (where the name perhaps comes from). Although the exact date of construction is not known, it is believed to be 15th century or beginning of the 16th century. Recognised as one of the most beautiful crosses in Portugal, Cruz de Portugal has a representation of the crucifixion on one side, and on the other the Mater Dolorosa. The base dates from 1824.
Torreão da Porta da Cidade:
Torreão da Porta da Cidade (the Turret of the City Gate) is the only one of four gates to the "almedina" to remain today.
The almendina was a residential area within the defensive ramparts, and consists of a barbican, built in the 12th or 13th century, which gives access, by way of two corridors, to the city. Inside the tower are two rooms and annexes which were for centuries the home of the Municipal Council and which, since 1983, have housed the Municipal Library. The tower is entered by way of an external stairway built at a later date and two high walkways which are original.
Leisure activities in the Silves area
 Municipal Swimming Pool:
If you like to keep up your exercise while you are away on holiday or you stay in or near Silves on a more permanent basis, the municipal swimming pool is a great place to go.
The opening hours are Monday to Friday 7.30 to 21.30, Saturday 9.00 to 19.00, closed Sundays and holidays. The pool is on the river front at the western end, opposite Silves football ground. You will need a swimming cap and flipflops for poolside use.
 Children's playing area:
There's a fenced in play area for young children near to the riverfront (at the western end, near to the football ground and municipal pool). A large sandpit is included so don't forget a bucket and spade!
There is a large car park near to the playing area.
 LifeTrail "play area" for adults:
This brilliant idea uses LifeTrail 'Wellness Stations' which are designed to meet the exercise needs of older adults. Each 'station' exercises a different part of the body with instructions and diagrams to show you what to do.
- Horse riding: Country Riding Centre, Silves. Tel: ( 351) 917 976 992 / 913 510 530
- Golf: 'Silves', 'Morgado', 'Pinta', 'Gramacho' and 'Vale de Milho' are the nearest courses
- Zoomarine at Guia. It's open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sealion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show. It's both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!
Opening hours are 10.00h to 17.00h in the winter (closed Mondays in January and February); 10.00h to 18.00h mid March to end of June and 10.00h to 19.30h during the summer.
- Krazy World at Algoz: A family day out with plenty to do. It's a small zoo and also has krazy golf, a playground area, animal petting farm, pony rides for the younger ones and a pool to relax by. There are bars and a restaraunt as well.
Opening hours are 10.00h to 19.30h during July and August, open daily. The rest of the year: 10.00h to 18.00h (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
- Aqualand (The Big One): Water park near Alcantarilha. Open from the end of May to mid September 10.00h to 18.00h.
- Slide and Splash Water park at Lagoa, operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens at 10am daily and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year. Tel:(+351) 282 340 800
- Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos) - a beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos. It is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots of lovely animals.
Open all year round, 7 days a week.
Winter (from the 1st of October to the 31st of March) 10.00am – 5.00pm
Summer (from the 1st April to the 30th September) 10.00am – 7.00pm
Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
Barão de S.João
8600-013
Tel: 282 680 100
(Fábrica do Inglês and the cork museum closed in 2009.)
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