Bishop's Palace

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

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

Location

The Episcopal Palace of Faro is located in the historic heart of the city, more precisely in Largo da Sé. Situated within the perimeter of the old medieval walls, this building occupies a block with a peculiar, slightly inclined shape. Its main facade opens onto Largo da Sé, a quiet, cobbled square, characteristic of the traditional atmosphere of this area of Faro.

A Long History

The construction of the Episcopal Palace dates back to 1585, when the seat of the bishopric was transferred from Silves to Faro. Over the centuries, the building witnessed significant events, including the attack by the English corsair Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, in 1598, which resulted in the looting of its library, where a precious copy of the Hebrew Pentateuch was housed, considered the first printed book in Portugal. Later, in 1755, the earthquake caused considerable damage, leading to extensive reconstruction and expansion that gave it its current size.

Architecture and Style

This palace is recognized as one of the finest examples of the Chão style in the Algarve, a sober and functional architecture, yet with notable dignity. Its facade is characterized by its straightness and framed openings, while the main portal, with its Rococo design, introduces a more ornamental element. An exterior feature worth noting is its multiple roofs, with various slopes and shapes, which give the building a distinctive silhouette.

The Artistic Interior

Inside the Palace, artistic richness is evident. Visitors can admire a vast collection of 18th-century tiles, in the Rocaille style, which adorn the entrance hall, the imposing staircase, and the sumptuous reception rooms. These tile panels are considered among the most important in the region, standing out for their high quality and the religious scenes they depict. The Palace library also houses remarkable furniture from the Baroque period, with elaborately decorated shelves featuring carvings and motifs of Chinoiserie inspiration.

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