Silves
A town with a rich history and venue for many festivals celebrating wine, poetry and song
Moors castle in Silves - João Paulo
Much of Silves was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake that levelled vast swathes of Portugal. Archeological and historical evidence indicates a fascinating past for Silves. A large amount of Roman artefacts have been unearthed here, as well as the obvious remnants of Moorish rule when the city was named Xelb.
There is archeological evidence to suggest that a large number of Arabian Yemenites populated the city at the peak of Moorish rule, however the often repeated claims of opulent palaces and esoteric universities lack historical basis.
It is likely that there were Koranic schools here, but the site of mathematics and the study of Greek philosophy was Cordoba in Spain.
Moors castle in Silves
João Paulo
The city was captured by the Crusaders in 1189 and in a pattern repeated throughout Portugal and Spain, began constructing cathedrals and churchs over the mosques that once stood there. In the 18th century earthquakes ripped much of the cities buildings to rubble, although the Moors castle remains standing.
Today, Silves is a venue for various festivals and concerts, catering for lovers of music, poetry and wine. The countryside surrounding Silves is the epicentre of Portugals orange growing industry and the fields are filled with orange trees. To the south lies the beautiful beach of Armacao de Pera .
Hotels in towns and cities close to Silves
Algarve Beach
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