Arch of Vila

Category: Civil Architecture > Arch

District: Faro > Faro > Faro > Sé e São Pedro

Location and Importance

- The Arco da Vila is a monument located in Faro, in the Algarve, Portugal.

- It has been a National Monument since 1910, recognized for its historical and architectural value.

Architectural Description

- The monument consists of an impressive triumphal arch with Ionic columns and an architrave.

- It has a niche with a triangular pediment on top.

- It was built by Bishop D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar on one of the medieval gates of the walls (Queen's Gate).

- The work was carried out by the Genoese architect Francisco Xavier Fabri and inaugurated in 1812.

Interesting Details

- In the center of the arch there is a niche with the image of Saint Thomas Aquinas, of Italian origin.

- Inside the monument, there is a horseshoe-shaped portal from the ancient Moorish walls, the only one existing in the Algarve.

- In 1992, during restoration work, a horseshoe-shaped portal corresponding to an entrance in the Arab walls was reopened.

Stork Observation

- The Arco da Vila is known for being a place where storks' nests can often be observed, a symbol of the city of Faro.

- The storks are a landmark of the city and provide a charming natural spectacle for visitors.

Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arco_da_Vila

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt