Faro Cathedral — Attraction in Faro

Also known as Sé de Faro, is a decently looking and historically rich landmark located in the heart of the Old Town. It sits proudly in Largo da Sé, surrounded by cobbled streets and peaceful orange trees, offering a tranquil contrast to the more modern parts of the city.

The cathedral combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, reflecting the many changes it has undergone since it was first built in the 13th century. While not as imposing as some cathedrals in larger cities, its charm lies in the details like the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, decorative tiles, and peaceful inner courtyard.

One of the highlights is the bell tower, which you can climb for panoramic views over Faro’s historic center and the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon. It’s a short but slightly narrow and steep ascent, so be prepared, but the view at the top is well worth the effort.

The entry fee is modest and includes access to the cathedral interior, the tower, and a small religious art museum. It’s a quiet and contemplative stop that doesn’t take too long to explore but leaves a lasting impression thanks to its peaceful atmosphere and historical significance.

The Cathedral i definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re already exploring the Old Town. It offers a calm and beautiful experience with a glimpse into the city’s religious and...

This Cathedral building was started in 1251, two years after the Christian Reconquest of Faro from the Muslim Moors. It has undergone several renovations and additions since, the last major changes made after the earthquakes in 1722 and 1755. A rather sad historical fact is that in 1596 the city of Faro and the Cathedral were sacked and burned by the English troops of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, on their way back from the capture of Cádiz. The altars and the various chapels are marvelously decorated and carved, some with tiled walls with biblical illustrations. The entrance ticket (€2.00 for the over 65s) also gives access to the tower, from where there is great views of the town, the waterfront and the airport. As we stood there, a white stork flew past on its way to its nest on the roof of one of the nearby buildings. Across the inner courtyard there is a small bone chapel with skulls (mostly broken) built...

Faro’s cathedral is a beautiful, tranquil place, a strange but enticing mixture of styles after being looted and damaged in an earthquake over the centuries. It costs €5 for the whole complex. The church is full of interesting features, from tiled chapels to opulent altarpieces, and it is certainly worth the short climb to the upper choir to see the organ up close. There is also a small museum upstairs, plus an external altarpiece made of bones. Climbing the tower gives unsurpassed views of the town and surrounding area, although beware as the first set of steps are steep and badly worn. Usefully, there are also toilet...