Travel and Car Hire in Faro, Portugal
If you are interested in traveling to Europe but don't want to spend a fortune, Faro, Portugal is an excellent destination. The city is rich in religious architecture and art, beaches, an expansive nature preserve, and a lovely seaport. Reserve your Algarve car hire, and travel through the region-from city to coast. The historic old town of Faro is still surrounded by medieval walls built under the brief rule of the Moorish prince Ben Bekr in the 9th century. The ancient walls open to a spacious square that served as the site of the city's ancient Roman forum. Narrow streets of whitewashed homes highlight the city's Moorish heritage and 500-year rule. The city is centuries old yet has modern conveniences, including an easily accessible car hire Faro office, international airport, and exquisite hotels. Here are just a few of the highlights:
The Main Cathedral
The main chapel boasts two collateral chapels, which are among the best examples of baroque carving in the Algarve. The walls of the Chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento (Most Holy Sacrament) are decorated with carvings and four 18th-century paintings. The Chapel of the Santo Lenho (Holy Cross) contains magnificent carvings and relics and the 18th-century tomb of the cathedral's founding bishop. Several side chapels include those dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception) and São Domingos (St. Dominic), striking examples of Gothic structures. The chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (Our Lady of Pleasures) boasts intricate carvings, marble, tiles, and paintings. The chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) has a carved and gilded altarpiece and tile panels from the end of the 17th century.
Misericórdia Church
This church and adjoining hospital were constructed at the end of the 16th century over an older Manueline Espirito Santo (Holy Spirit) chapel and hospital. It is the only church in the Algarve built in the form of a Greek cross. After the earthquake of 1755, Bishop Francisco Gomes renovated the facade and built a new hospital which was completed in 1815. After a morning of touring this and other magnificent churches and chapels, reserve a nearby car hire in Portugal, and drive along the peaceful coast.
Episcopal Palace
This building exemplifies the "cha," or plain architecture of the late 16th and 17th centuries. It was partially rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755. The doorway and outline of the pyramid-shaped "tesouro" roofs create a visual contrast to the geometric lines of the facade. The walls of the atrium, stairway, and three display rooms host a splendid example of rocaille tile adornments from the late 18th century. (Note that access is restricted.)
Ria Formosa Lagoon
A nature reserve of over 170 square kilometers and a resting place for hundreds of species of birds during migratory periods in the spring and autumn months. The beach is about seven kilometers from the city. Don't miss out on this natural wonder. Use a Portugal car rental, and drive out with your travel companions so that you can stay all day.
Lethes Theatre
This former Jesuit college was turned into a theatre in 1845. The current look displays an interesting example of a late 19th to early 20th-century provincial playhouse.
Maritime Museum
Here tourists and locals find a small but unique ethnographic collection of information and artifacts pertinent to marine activities and fishing in the Algarve region. A visit to the maritime museum is a splendid stop as visitors stroll along the seaport and marina.
Whether you are a nature lover, history fanatic, beach dweller, or tourist who wants to explore a fascinating place that reflects centuries of cultural influence from age-old empires--Faro is an excellent place to see. Small but historically significant, this quaint town charms tourists every day! The last stop you'll make prior to the airport is the car rental in Faro-but it is almost certain that you'll look forward to visiting this marvelous region again!
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