The story of Cathedral of Faro

The ground beneath this cathedral may have been sacred for a very long time. Archaeologists found traces of a Roman temple near the square, probably in use from the 1st to the 4th century, perhaps the centre of the Roman city of Ossonoba. Tradition says an early Christian basilica stood here, later turned into a mosque under Moorish rule.

After King Afonso III reconquered Faro in 1249, the present building was begun in 1251 on the orders of the Archbishop of Braga, and in 1271 it was given to the Order of Santiago for its help in taking the town. Since 1540 it has been the seat of the diocese, replacing Silves Cathedral on the orders of King John III. In 1596 the church was destroyed by the Earl of Essex. Look up at the bell tower, which may once have served for defence as well as worship.

Inside, gothic, baroque and Portuguese plain style mix, and the organ was installed by Johann Heinrich Hulenkampf in the 18th century.