Municipal Museum of Faro — Attraction in Faro

Frankly, a magnificent way to be transported back in time in a building with a fantastic courtyard guarded by gargoyles once spouting rainwater from the roofs. there are stellas with ancient epitephs, large amphorahs once the containers of food goods, and a gallery collection housing disciplines of paintings from Portuguese art schools. Tommaso Conca stood out to me with his skillful technique and mastery of light/dark, A&P, and vibrant transluscence in his skin tones. The entrance fee is now €4 with the same ornery lady(!) There needs to be a pamphlet or placard display explaining the history of this building (someone here said it became a convent). NOTE: Though i was told you could take pictures, please use your judgement in the painting galleries as extreme light exposure can readily damage paintings that are over 2 centuries old. And actually a photo is a poor substitute to seiing an original. If you wish to study the detail close up, please refrain from breathing on the paintings as the moisture, heat and humidity can also do damge. Well worth visiting! Post Script - They may be changing the...

The Museu Municipal de Faro, nestled within the historic Convento de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, offers a captivating journey through the Algarve's rich history. Established in 1894 as the Museu Arqueológico e Lapidar Infante D. Henrique, it now boasts a diverse collection of approximately 12,500 artifacts spanning various periods and cultures .

Highlights of the Museum

Roman Heritage: The museum's Roman collection features significant artifacts, including a notable mosaic depicting the god Oceanus, dating back to the late 2nd or early 3rd century. This piece underscores the historical importance of Ossonoba (ancient Faro) as a bustling Roman settlement .

Islamic Influence: Artifacts from the 10th to 13th centuries showcase the Islamic period of Faro, offering insights into daily life during that era.

Artistic Collections: The museum houses an impressive array of paintings from the 16th to 19th centuries, reflecting the artistic evolution of the region. Additionally, works by Carlos Porfírio capture the enchanting legends of the Algarve, blending folklore...

“The traveler visited all the rooms, liked some better than others, accepted or rejected the temporary exhibitions being put there, but understood above all that the museum at Faro is a work of stubborn love. And the best of what is there is worthy of a great museum.”

So writes the great Nobel writer José Saramago of this truly wonderful Museum which when we visited had some of the most creative - almost youthfully creative - curatorial ideas for the temporary exhibitions and a truly poetic interpretation in the presentation of artefacts of the ancient peoples of the region. “Stubborn love” is such an apt description of the energy of the place - which in my view should be better resourced and is altogether a less stressful experience than the nearby, well funded, Cathedral. Entry only €3 - no café and no museum shop (perhaps that’s why it’s so special!) and an inspiring sanctuary from...