Tourist information - Faro
There are remnants of settlements started during the remote reaches of history, but it was throughout the Roman period that this region developed and attained standing. It was then referred to as Civitas Ossobonensis, with its borders extending to where modern Tavira lies, and included several of towns with specific productive, rural and maritime functions. Due to its growth and economic importance, it was designated a municipium within the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 BC). These historical facts originate from interpreting archaeological finds made in the city which can now be seen in the Infante D. Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) Archaeological Museum, and also the Milreu Ruins located in the suburbs of Faro.
In the 9th century, the town was renamed Saint Mary Ibn Harun right after the Arab family that governed the region. The name, after a long course of linguistic evolution, would bring about Faro. During the period of Muslim rule, Christian religious practices were allowed; hence "Saint Mary" remained as part of the name. As well as archaeological remains from that period, further documented in the Archaeological Museum, the Arab Gateway (part of the Arco da Vila (Town Arch)) recalls one of the entries into the walled centre, called Vila-Adentro (Inner Town).
Vila-Adentro would be definitively returned to Christian rule in 1249, within the leadership of Afonso III. The Sé Cathedral would be built on the site of the former Mosque and the walls, bolstered to highlight new rulers had taken over.
In the 16th century, king Manuel encouraged the growth of Faro with it for being an important trading centre on the Algarve, a role it kept up throughout centuries. It became a city in 1540 and the Bishopdom formerly based in Silves was relocated to Faro. Most of the city´s religious monuments date from that period reflecting the economic wealth in the artistic grace of the Church of Misericórdia (Compassion) and the convents of Saint Francis, Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Our Lady of the Assumption - now the Infante D. Henrique Archaeological Museum), of Santiago Maior and also of Saint Anthony of Capuchin.
In the 19th century, Faro was administratively reorganised, centralising regional powers and, along with its role in the regional economy, became by far the most significant cities in the Algarve. The nobility and bourgeois led to this urban renovation building palace-like residences on the fringes of the centre. Many of the wealthier families built second homes on the outskirts including the amazing Palace of Estói.
In addition to the architectural heritage already described, a walk around Faro might also include a family visit to the Museum of Living Science, along with its interesting variety of activities particularly for the younger visitors.
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