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Faro Cathedral

History

Faro city was taken by the forces of King Afonso III in 1249 from the Muslims. After capturing the city, the Cathedral was built at the site of an Muslim mosque in 1251. Current cathedral sits in a beautiful square called Largo de Se. Next to it, a statue of Bishop Francisco Gomes (1739 – 1816) sits in the square. 
Generally this cathedral is known as the Cathedral of Faro (Sé de Faro) but full name of this cathedral is “the Cathedral of Saint Mary”. The original cathedral was damaged in the English raid of 1596 by Earl of Essex. The devastating earthquake of 1755 didn’t spare this building either and it was badly damaged. After entering through a small door, one can see a small courtyard, to the right of this courtyard lies few small rooms.

Bell tower of the Faro Cathedral
Bell tower of the Faro Cathedral
The area around the cathedral is known as Largo de Se
A building in front of the cathedral
A building in front of the cathedral
Bishop Francisco Gomes (1739 - 1816) Statue
Another look at the statue of Bishop Francisco Gomes de Avelar
Another look at the statue of Bishop Francisco Gomes de Avelar
Exterior of the Faro Cathedral
Exterior of the Faro Cathedral
Interior of the bell tower - entry to this cathedral is through this tower gate
Interior of the bell tower - entry to this cathedral is through this tower gate
Tiles on the walls of the building
Tiles on the walls of the building
A display inside a room, next to a small courtyard
A display inside a room, next to a small courtyard
Weapons and a cross next to a statue in one of the side rooms
Weapons and a cross next to a statue in one of the side rooms

Interior

The interior of Faro’s cathedral contains some beautiful azulejos tilework, marble inlay and gilded wood carvings. It is one of its kind, it is colourful, bright and eye-catching. Faro Cathedral offers the visitor mostly artistic delights, especially its seventeenth and eighteenth century tiling and gold leaf decoration. A small cathedral museum upstairs from the floor of the church contains statues, religious paintings, vestments and a small ossuary. Then very narrow stairs lead to the top of the bell tower. The views atop the tower of the surrounding area are breathtaking. 

Decorated interior of the Faro Cathedral
Decorated interior of the Faro Cathedral
Supporting arches are formed by the slender columns
Supporting arches are formed by the slender columns
One of the side walls of the cathedral
One of the side walls of the cathedral
Wooden ceiling of the Faro Cathedral
Wooden ceiling of the Faro Cathedral
Inside the Gothic Chapel, a tomb from the 15th century can be seen
Inside the Gothic Chapel, a tomb from the 15th century can be seen
Beautiful tile work inside the Faro Cathedral
Decorative details of the interior
Decorative details of the interior
Tile work on the walls
Tile work on the walls
Seating area seen from the museum upstairs
Seating area seen from the museum upstairs
These stairs lead to the top of the bell tower
These stairs lead to the top of the bell tower
Part of the Old Town, seen from the bell tower
Part of the Old Town, seen from the bell tower
Largo de Se Square with the statue in the middle
Largo de Se Square with the statue in the middle
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, seen from the top
Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, seen from the top
Views of the surroundings of the cathedral are worth every minute spent above the tower
Views of the surroundings of the cathedral are worth every minute spent above the tower
An aeroplane coming to land at the Faro Airport
An aeroplane coming to land at the Faro Airport