Category: Civil Architecture > Historic Centre
District: Faro > Vila Real de Santo António > Cacela Velha
The historic core of Cacela Velha is situated on a sandy elevation near the Ria Formosa, in the leeward side of the Algarve. The village is built on a fossil cliff, offering open views of the ria and the dune cord that separates it from the sea. The landscape is marked by the tranquility of the natural environment and the strong visual presence of the ria, which varies with the tide and daylight.
The white houses, of traditional design, are concentrated on a small promontory, allowing for a clear understanding of the historic urban structure. The complex is located in the parish of Vila Nova de Cacela, municipality of Vila Real de Santo António, and remains protected from modern urbanization.
Cacela Velha has traces of occupation from pre-Roman times, having been inhabited by Conii, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Muslims. In the 10th century, during the Caliphate period, it became an important regional center, integrating a defensive system with other inland fortresses. It was mentioned by Arab geographers as a fortified and well-populated locality, with cultivated fields.
After the Christian conquest in 1240, the castle was handed over to the Order of Santiago, which rebuilt it and adapted it to the military needs of the time. In 1283, D. Dinis granted the town a charter. The village gradually lost importance in the following centuries, partly due to the receding coastline and the pressure of pirate attacks. In 1833, during the civil war, it was the scene of a military landing led by the Duke of Terceira.
The current building known as Cacela Castle corresponds to a fortress rebuilt at the end of the 18th century, after the damage caused by the 1755 earthquake. It has a polygonal plan with two bastions facing the ria, having maintained its function as a coastal watchtower. The site preserves elements of ancient defensive structures, including sections of the medieval wall visible to the north and east of the settlement.
Although the original Islamic structure has been lost, archaeological remains point to the existence of a Muslim earth wall and an urban core contained within an area of about half a hectare. Part of the foundations of the wall from the Order of Santiago period is submerged.
The historic core is composed of a small group of buildings of diverse origin, notably 17th and 18th-century dwellings, the medieval parish church with Renaissance and neoclassical transformations, and a 16th-century building with a double gable. The urban layout is compact and reveals an aesthetic coherence marked by low volumes, whitewashed, with simple parapets and typical Algarve chimneys.
Despite its small size, the complex maintains great integrity and authenticity, allowing visitors to grasp the scale and experience of an ancient Algarve coastal village. Walking through its cobbled streets is also a way to observe closely how traditional architecture was adapted to the climate and local conditions.
Archaeological excavations in Cacela Velha have revealed remains from various periods: from Roman pottery kilns to Islamic ruins and medieval structures. Some of these elements are signposted or partially integrated into the urban fabric. The historical presence of Islamic communities is also documented by an ancient Muslim cemetery next to the wall.
Among the historical figures linked to the village is the Andalusian poet Ibn Darraj al-Qastalli, born in Cacela in the 10th century, whose literary work was recognized in the Islamic world of the time.
The historic core of Cacela Velha, including the fortress, has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 1986, by Decree-Law no. 19/86, of July 10. This classification recognizes the cultural and architectural value of the complex, which is considered one of the best preserved in the Algarve region.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cacela_Velha
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.157296,-7.545974
Coordinates DMS: 37°09'26.3"N 07°32'45.5"W
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