A getaway to Faro? Don’t miss the magnificent cathedral! It’s one of the oldest in Portugal. We were particularly impressed by its chapels, decorated with gilded woodwork, azulejos and other treasures. And don’t forget the panoramic view of Faro’s old town and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve from the top of its medieval tower!
In this article, you’ll find some useful tips to help you prepare for your visit and have a wonderful time!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Faro Cathedral?
Is the cathedral worth it? Our opinion:
Yes, Faro Cathedral is well worth a visit! We were seduced by its unique architecture, which harmoniously combines several styles integrated during its many renovations and transformations. Inside, you’ll find no fewer than 10 chapels, some decorated with 17th-centuryazulejos and gilded woodwork. Witnesses to the artistic richness of the site. The large 18th-century organ with Chinese motifs and the small museum of sacred art add to the interest of the visit. But it’s the panoramic view of Faro’s old town and the Ria Formosa from the top of the medieval bell tower that’s the highlight!
Visiting the cathedral is one of Faro’s best activities!
Why is Faro Cathedral famous?
Faro Cathedral is one of Portugal’s oldest cathedrals and a major symbol of the city’s cultural and religious wealth. Its exceptional interior decoration, with azulejos, gilded woodwork and Baroque altarpieces, makes it a veritable museum of Portuguese religious art. Like Faro’s Episcopal Palace, it bears witness to the city’s importance as an ecclesiastical and cultural center over the centuries.
WHERE TO STAY IN Faro
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best apartment hotel
Amália Boutique Suites & Studios – See prices, photos and availability
Best boutique-hotel
Roots Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best luxury hotel
3HB Faro – See prices, photos and availability
History in brief
We learned that 2 years after the Christian conquest of Faro, in 1251, construction began on the main church (first base of today’s cathedral). The original building was ravaged several times by natural disasters (fires, earthquakes). However, the medieval tower, the Gothic main portal and 2 chapels in the transept are the only remains of the original Gothic building.
We also discovered that important work was carried out during the period when Portugal was under Spanish rule. Indeed, in 1956, the Earl of Essex led an attack on Faro during which he looted and burned the cathedral. The earthquakes of 1722 and 1755 (more info here) necessitated major restoration work. The building you can admire today is the result of several architectural and decorative changes, which explains the mix of styles. We noticed Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque influences.
Access: Faro Cathedral, Portugal
Where is Faro Cathedral?
Faro Cathedral is located on the Largo da Sé square:
- In Faro’s old town
- Less than a 5-minute walk from the Municipal Museum and Episcopal Palace.
- Close to must-see places in the Algarve capital
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN THE Algarve
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
How to get there?
There are several options for getting to Faro Cathedral:
- The building is easily accessible on foot.
- If you take public transport, the Rodoviário Terminal stop on the city’s transport network is the nearest. To plan your itinerary, please consult the route maps, timetables and fares here.
- You can choose a sightseeing bus tour. Hop-on-hop-off buses are a great way to visit all the sights quickly and easily. Book your Hop-On-Hop-Off pass now.
Parking
No parking is available directly on site, although it is possible to park on the square near the Cathedral. The nearest covered parking lot is the ” Saba da Pontinha ” parking lot, about a 10-minute walk from the building. Alternatively, discover all our tips for parking in Faro.
Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
We recommend that you come during the week, when the cathedral is open, to enjoy the site in complete tranquillity. We also recommend that you avoid religious events.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 45min to 1h for a complete tour of the cathedral, the museum of sacred art and the bell tower.
Note that access to the bell tower requires climbing some 80 steps up a narrow spiral staircase. Some parts of the building are accessible to people with reduced mobility thanks to ramps, but not the 1st floor or the bell tower.
Advice on how to visit
We recommend you start by admiring the exterior façade and Gothic portal, the cloister and the Chapel of the Bones. Then explore the interior to discover the 10 chapels with their Baroque features, gilded woodwork and azulejos. Then discover the museum and its various religious objects. Finish by climbing the bell tower for a panoramic view of Faro and the Ria Formosa.
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Schedules and rates
- Opening hours: Faro Cathedral is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6.30pm and Saturday from 9.30am to 7pm.
- Price: €5.
Guided tours
There are no regular guided tours of the cathedral.
However, you can opt for a guided tour of the city, which will give you historical explanations of the cathedral and Faro’s other buildings . See availability and book your tour
Catering
There are no catering facilities on site. On the other hand, you’re right in the center of town, close to a wide range of establishments. Discover our favorite restaurants in Faro, to enjoy before or after your visit.
Observation of the architecture and exterior of Faro Cathedral
Rococo façade, Gothic portal and medieval tower
As soon as we caught sight of Faro Cathedral, its architectural splendor grabbed us. The exterior façade reveals remarkable Rococo features that contrast harmoniously with the original Gothic portal. You’ll be impressed by this imposing 13th-century ogival portal.
Before entering the cathedral, take time to contemplate its entrance: a small atrium surrounded by 3 large arches supporting the bell tower and main portal. We learned that this entrance and its medieval tower, both dating from the 13th century, are exceptionally robust. In fact, they withstood the terrible earthquake of 1755 (more info here) as well as various invasions!
The cloister and the bone chapel
As we passed through the main gate, we discovered the cloister, a pretty little green space, calm and planted with orange trees, where we wanted to take our time to breathe and admire. During your visit, you’ll discover that this pretty garden once served as a cemetery.
Nearby, the unusual Chapel of the Bones caught our eye. You can observe this somewhat macabre construction, built from skulls and human bones. It echoes the Chapel of the Bones(Capela do Ossos) at theIgreja do Carmo.
Discover the treasures inside Faro Cathedral
See the 10 chapels, all unique!
Inside, we were amazed by the richness of the decor and the singularity of the different chapels. You’ll discover no fewer than 10 of them, and notice that they all offer different settings, marked by different eras and influences.
We were particularly struck by 2 of them during our exploration of the cathedral:
- The Chapel of Our Lady of the Rosary, with its incredible azulejos from the 1700s, was built in 1690. The Flight into Egypt and the Loss and Encounter of Jesus in the Temple (episodes from the Bible) are depicted.
- The Chapelle de Notre-Dame des Plaisirs, meanwhile, is considered a true gem of Baroque art in the Algarve! Its sculptures, marble inlays and gilded stuccowork are particularly striking.
Did you know? A chapel must be viewed as a whole, i.e. without ignoring the entrance frame. In fact, we’ve learned that it very often features the coat of arms of the person who financed its construction.
Visit the Musée d’Art Sacré and take a look at the singular organ
On the 1st floor, we discovered Faro Cathedral’s Museum of Sacred Art. Nestled in the chapter houses dating from 1607 and 1813, it houses a collection of religious objects from the region and the cathedral. Here you’ll find 16th-century sculptures, liturgical vestments, paintings, statues, books and other religious objects.
On your way up to the museum area, pause on the staircase to take a look at the cathedral organ. Built in 1701, it caught our eye in particular. Indeed, its sideboard is adorned with Chinese motifs! We learned that they were added in 1752, creating a unique decoration that reflects an oriental influence rare in Portuguese religious art.
Climb the bell tower for a panoramic view
The bell tower of Faro Cathedral, witness to past centuries
Climbing the medieval bell tower took us back in time. We climbed the many steps of the narrow spiral staircase, imagining the centuries of history these stones have witnessed. Indeed, as we mentioned at the start of this article, the tower is one of the oldest parts of Faro Cathedral! Rescued from invasions and natural disasters, it has watched over the town since medieval times.
You may well hear its bells tinkling, still ringing today at masses and other religious events. Rhythmic to the lives of Faro’s inhabitants and a reminder of the continuing spiritual function of this historic site.
Breathtaking view of Faro and the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
When we reached the summit, we were overwhelmed by the spectacular view. The orange-tiled roofs of Faro’s old town stretch as far as the eye can see. We took a close look at the old buildings to get a feel for the architecture and design of the Algarve capital. If you keep your eyes peeled, you’ll notice the 4-sloped roofs of Faro’s Municipal Museum. In fact, Faro’s Episcopal Palace, which we recommend you visit, is also equipped with one. It is located right next to the cathedral.
Finally, we looked further out, towards the horizon. You’ll catch a glimpse of the shimmering lagoons of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. This unique landscape, where barrier islands form a natural boundary between land and sea, is captivating. This is undoubtedly one of Faro’s most beautiful panoramas!
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Frequently asked questions
Which museum to visit in Faro to better understand the history of the city and the Algarve?
We recommend a visit to the Museu Municipal de Faro, housed in a former 16th-century convent. It features archaeological collections from prehistoric to medieval times, including Roman mosaics and Islamic ceramics. The museum also exhibits religious works of art and 16th-century paintings.
What are the must-see sights in Faro?
Are you in the capital of the Algarve and wondering what to do in Faro?
The town is steeped in history. Roman heritage rubs shoulders with Moorish influences. We were seduced by this sunny town, which harmoniously combines historic vestiges and unspoilt nature.
Here are some of Faro’s must-see places and activities:
- Stroll through the historic center (Cidade Velha)
- Dive into history at Faro’s Municipal Museum
- Marvel at the azulejos of Faro’s Episcopal Palace
- Take a trip to the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve
- Discover the chilling Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)
- Visit the Algarve Regional Museum
- Lazing on Faro Beach
What are the Algarve’s must-see historic monuments?
Wondering what to do and see in the Algarve? Located in the south of Portugal, the region is famous for its beacheslandscapes, caves and outdoor activities, but also for its historic monuments and pretty towns. Here are some of the Algarve’s must-see sights:
- Silves Castle: the largest castle in the Algarve, built by the Moors in the 11th century, with panoramic views over the Arade valley.
- TheChurch of São Lourenço d’Almancil: covered in azulejo tiles, this church is a unique Baroque masterpiece.
- Igreja Matriz de Alvor: Alvor’s main church, with ornate Manueline doors and gilded altars.
- Fortress of Sagres: located at the south-western tip of Europe, it is a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
