Faro, the capital of the Algarve, is one of Portugal’s most underrated cities and worth a day’s stopover. But beware, things can get creepy in Faro: Because here stands a macabre chapel, on whose walls you can discover the bones and skulls of over 1000 monks from the 19th century. But there are also less creepy things to see in Faro.
Faro is an airport for low-cost airlines like Ryanair, and therefore the city is only a transit point for many tourists. Compared to other regions in the Algarve that are flooded with vacationers and overbuilt with hotel chains, Faro still exudes a rather authentic, typically Portuguese flair and offers some interesting spots in the city center. In addition, skulls and storks are a highlight in Faro. Read on to find out more.
Faro – The city of storks
A special feature of the tranquil town of Faro are its storks. The place seems to be a habitat for these long-legged birds, because there are plenty of them here. To be precise, they are white storks, which get their name from their white plumage, which is patterned by the black pinion feathers.
And they build their nests everywhere: on roofs, churches, bell towers, chimneys and even antennas. They keep a close eye on the people in the streets and squares below.
Are the city’s inhabitants having too many children? Who knows. In any case, the storks seem to feel at home here. So much so that they return to their old nest every year, making it bigger and bigger over the years.
Cidade Velha – The old town of Faro
With its venerable buildings and narrow, cobbled streets and squares with lush orange trees, Faro’s old town, which is located within medieval walls, has a quite peaceful and quiet charm.
On the streets, on houses and on walls, you will also find detailed blue azulejos everywhere – the hand-painted, typically Portuguese tiles that originated with the Moors. If you will, the azulejos are something like the street art of medieval Portugal.
Sé Catedral – Faro Cathedral
In the middle of the old town, on Largo da Sé, stands the 13th-century Cathedral of Faro with its large, towering bell tower. Over the years, the church has been repeatedly modified and rebuilt, which is why many different architectural styles can be seen here.
Igreja do Carmo – Church from the Baroque period
This church is an imposing building from the Baroque period in the 18th century. The two bell towers, in which a few storks have made themselves comfortable, stand out. The main altar inside the church, artfully decorated with gold, is also impressive.
Capela dos Ossos – The Chapel of Skulls
The “Chapel of Bones” is located directly behind the Igreja do Carmo and is a somewhat bizarre attraction. At the entrance, you are greeted by the words:
“Pause for a moment and consider that you will achieve this state.
When you enter the next room, whose walls are artfully decorated with a mosaic of the bones and skulls of over 1000 monks, you can feel a slight shiver running down your spine. It seems as if you are being watched by the dead. The Bone Chapel is a reminder of the impermanence and impermanence in the world.
Other Faro Sights
There are, of course, many more attractions to explore in and around Faro. Here is a selection:
- Ilha Deserta – a deserted sandbank south of Faro that you can visit on an excursion. Here you will find a provider for this.
- Cabo de Santa Maria – This is the southernmost point of Portugal on the island of Barreta
Things to do in Faro
There are some cool excursions and activities you can book in Faro. Check it out here:
Places to stay in Faro
Faro has both some cheap hostels and chic boutique hotels where you can indulge yourself.
Map of Faro
Karte im Vollbild
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