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	Haunting calm of Alvor

Alvor Castle

When standing in the main square, don’t miss Alvor castle, only one of the turret remains and you won’t miss the Portuguese flag that flys there. This castle played a major role in the history of Portugal, although the date of it’s construction is not know, Sancho I is noted to have captured the Muslim castle at Alvor in 1189. Along with the city of Silves, and the castle at Albufeira. These were retaken by the Muslims and had to be reconquered by his son, Afonso II. But of more importance King Dom João II of Portugal known as the Perfect Prince, the fourteenth king of Portugal died in Alvor Castle on October 25, 1495. He is said to have loved the area and was here taking the waters of Monchique in an attempt to cure his dropsy. The area now boasts a hotel in his name.
	Alvor history Alvor’s long history was made clear with the discovery of a Neolithic village, retaining traces of Roman occupation on Vila Velha hill, overlooking the Ria de Alvor. The small village of Abidaca, on a slope to the east of Alvor, also shows traces of Roman settlement. In the period of Moorish rule, the town was a thriving port. The ramparts defending it were the scene of violent fighting when the Portuguese army led by King Sancho I conquered the town in 1189, with the help of Crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. Retaken by the Moors in 1191, it was returned to Christian dominion in 1250, when campaigns resulted in the conquest of the whole of the Algarve. The town walls were rebuilt in 1300 and Alvor was made a town by King João II, who is regarded as an outstanding Portuguese king. He died there in 1495. The town shared in the prosperity of the 15th and 16th centuries, but was laid low by the earthquake of 1755. The old town was never to regain its former splendour. Alvor retains much of the charm of a picturesque fishing village, with its narrow streets of traditional white houses. After a day at sea, colourful boats congregate around the old fishing market.. The Mother Church Built in the 16th century, the Mother Church was rebuilt in the 18th century after the earthquake of 1755. The generously decorated main doorway is one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. The side door is in the Manueline style. The columns supporting the three naves are part of the original structure, as are the fonts and the triumphal arch of the altar. The carvings on the high altar, with its impressive life-size statue of Jesus, date from the 18th century. There is also a fine panel depicting the Saviour. This small but nonetheless important church also contains tiles with two 18th century figurative panels – the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper. From the churchyard there is an excellent view of the Ria de Alvor, the town and the encircling sea. The castle The castle has long disappeared but for two stretches of wall that were once part of the fortress. They now have houses built against them. Still a fishing village Remember that Alvor is still a fishing village, talk to locals and find out what time the fisherman return from the sea. It’s well worth getting up early and watching them work with their catch. The Octupus is a real speciality.	Praia de Alvor

		Due to Alvor’s peculiar and sensitive ecology, attempts have been made to protect the surrounding area from tourist development, which have only been partially successful. Alvor has, however, managed to retain much of its original style, with low buildings and open surroundings and the lagoon, which is a specially protected area of natural beauty. The area around the old fishermen’s market has been developed greatly over the past five years. It now has a wide waterfront promenade, with restaurants and bars where one can sit and watch the fishing boats. Behind the fish market is the old lifeboat station, which is well worth a visit. Alvor’s main beach is just five minutes’ walk from the town. A favourite among windsurfers, it is four and half miles of wide open sand, offering enough space for beach volleyball, football, frisbee and walking. The beach is backed by dunes and has plenty of facilities. Facilities There are usually life guards on duty and sun umbrellas and sun loungers can be hired at a daily rate. Car parks are close to the beach. Several beach restaurants offer traditional grilled fish, lamb, piri-piri chicken and other delicious foods. The beach is popular with Portuguese holidaymakers from the north who usually arrive in the Algarve in September, but due to its size Alvor Praia is never packed. Tres Irmaos Beach, further east, is mostly backed by cliffs, with huge rocks scattered along the shoreline. It leads to Praia da Vau and Praia da Rocha. “Praia” is the Portuguese for “beach”.

Alianca Square and the Chapel of Rest

Most visiting Alvor will have wondered about the small chapel in the town square in the very heart of Alvor. Many will have passed the main church and, as they wandered back to the main street, seen the tiny chapel on the right next to the Alianca Café. Many go into the chapel thinking it’s a church, and some get distressed to see a dead body laying at rest. So please note the that the chapel is a resting place, and it gives the people of the village a chance to say goodbye to friends and loved ones. The chapel door is left when the chapel is in use. Another point of interest is that the tiny door to the right of the chapel of rest is the Alvor Museum, which is missed by everyone who visits Alvor.

Haunting calm of Alvor

Alvor history