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Loule City - Portugal

Introduction

Loule is a municipality in Faro District and it is only 16 km from Faro. The old Arabic name of this town was al-Ulya which was changed over the centuries to Loule. It is a relaxed and unhurried destination, away from the busy beaches of Algrave region. This city is quite compact and can be visited in one day. 
The streets of this city gives an impression of a sleepy city but it is vibrant and rich in history. The best way to explore this city is by losing oneself in its beautiful and cobbled streets. The Muslims had ruled this city till 1249 and this legacy of the North African Muslims have left a great influence in Loule. This heritage can be seen throughout the town in either the historic monuments.

Roundabout of the Gago Coutinho Square
Roundabout of the Gago Coutinho Square
Buildings around the the Gago Coutinho Square - Loule City Portugal
Buildings around the the Gago Coutinho Square - Loule City Portugal
An arches street at the start of the Old Town
An arches street at the start of the Old Town
AN elderly couple passes under the arch
AN elderly couple passes under the arch
One of the street signs in Loule
One of the street signs in Loule
Exterior of the Museu do Lagar Restaurant
Exterior of the Museu do Lagar Restaurant
A shoemaker's shop in a small street, next to Igreja Matriz de Loule Church
A shoemaker's shop in a small street, next to Igreja Matriz de Loule Church
A cat sitting at the doorstep of a house
A cat sitting at the doorstep of a house
Loule city, seen from the Garden of the Skulls (Jardim dos Amuados)
Narrow street in the old town - Loule City Portugal
Narrow street in the old town - Loule City Portugal
Most visitors who come to Algarve, overlook this beautiful city
Most visitors who come to Algarve, overlook this beautiful city
These narrow street could represent any street in Spain or in North Africa
The Islamic heritage is still visible through layers of history
The Islamic heritage is still visible through layers of history
Looking out to Roundabout of the Gago Coutinho Square from Largo Doutor Bernardo Lopes
Signs for the local attractions at the start of Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia
Signs for the local attractions at the start of Rua Dom Paio Peres Correia

Pottery

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Chapel of Our Lady of Conception) is located opposite the Loule Castle. Inside this chapel, lies the remains of a Muslim door which was built in the city walls. In the past, Algarve was famous for its pottery production and this tradition has lived to till this day. So Loule is no exception and its souvenirs shops are filled with pottery. The vast array of items and colours on display are staggering.

A shop in the old town - Loule City Portugal
I came across some of the interesting stuff which this city has to offer
I came across some of the interesting stuff which this city has to offer
One of the greatest things which I have seen was the quality of the ceramics for sale in shops
One of the greatest things which I have seen was the quality of the ceramics for sale in shops
A historical piece of a stone inside the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Chapel of Our Lady of Conception)
Remains of a Muslim door which was built in the city walls - Chapel of Our Lady of Conception Loule
Remains of a Muslim door which was built in the city walls - Chapel of Our Lady of Conception Loule
City seen from the ramparts of the castle
City seen from the ramparts of the castle
A sign points towards a pottery shop nearby
A sign points towards a pottery shop nearby
Decorative pottery items on display inside a shop - Loule City Portugal
Decorative pottery items on display inside a shop - Loule City Portugal
Some of these pottery shops and houses produce and sell pottery
Some of these pottery shops and houses produce and sell pottery
And this one is more practical, can be used in one's kitchen
And this one is more practical, can be used in one's kitchen
Colourful items on display inside a shop
Colourful items on display inside a shop
The Rooster of Barcelos is one of the most common sites throughout Portugal
The Rooster of Barcelos is one of the most common sites throughout Portugal

There is a house of a famous Portuguese in the city centre, his name is Duarte Pacheco. He was born in Loule and he played a huge rule in building the modern Portugal. Front of the Town Hall of Loule (Câmara Municipal de Loulé) shows design on the footpath. Municipal Market is an interesting looking building was inaugurated on 27th June 1908 and built on neo-Arab architectural style.

Exterior of the Casa Memória Duarte Pacheco - Loule City Portugal
Exterior of the Casa Memória Duarte Pacheco - Loule City Portugal
A statue of Antonio Aleixo sitting quietly in front of a cafe
Patterns created on the cobbled streets of the city
Patterns created on the cobbled streets of the city
Design created in front of the Town Hall of Loule (Câmara Municipal de Loulé)
Design created in front of the Town Hall of Loule (Câmara Municipal de Loulé)
Few benches on the side of the road for the public
Few benches on the side of the road for the public
Two local women having a chat on a couch like bench
Two local women having a chat on a couch like bench
An open courtyard of the Instituto Superior D. Afonso III - Loule City Portugal
An open courtyard of the Instituto Superior D. Afonso III - Loule City Portugal
A sculpture of a seller, close to the Municipal Market
A sculpture of a seller, close to the Municipal Market
A street in front of the Municipal Market
A street in front of the Municipal Market
This market is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city
This market is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city