Faro Cathedral or Church of Saint Mary

Category: Religious Architecture > Temple

District: Faro > Faro > Faro > Vila Adentro

Location

Faro Cathedral is located in the historic center of the city, in Largo da Sé. It is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Faro, being a historical landmark in the city and the Algarve region.

History

The construction of the current building began in 1251, shortly after the Reconquista of Faro by the Christians. Originally, the site had a Paleochristian basilica and, later, a mosque, before the construction of the church. Over the centuries, the church was enlarged and remodeled, especially during the medieval period, particularly in the reign of King D. Dinis (14th century), and in the 17th century, after the damage caused by the English sack of 1596.

Religious Importance

The Cathedral is the seat of the Diocese of the Algarve and, in 1577, became the episcopal seat of the region, replacing Silves. This religious building has great importance in the history and faith of the Algarve community.

Architecture

The church mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Mannerist elements. The facade, with its tower, the main portal and some chapels are remnants of the medieval phase of the church. The most significant renovations took place in the 17th century, highlighting the reconstruction of the chancel and the addition of new decorative elements.

Cathedral Organ

The church organ, dating from around 1715, is one of the main highlights of the interior. It is believed to have been built by Johann Heinrich Hulenkampf, a German craftsman, and is decorated with chinoiserie-style paintings, made in 1751. This organ is of great historical and musical value.

Damage and Reconstruction

Over the centuries, Faro Cathedral has been affected by catastrophes such as the 1755 earthquake. However, the reconstructions preserved many of the original elements and it is still possible to observe the marks of these changes in the building.

Visit

Faro Cathedral is a must-see for anyone visiting the city. Its beauty and the history surrounding the building make it a place of interest for both history lovers and those interested in religious architecture. In addition, its location in the historic center allows you to combine the visit with the exploration of the surrounding streets and squares.

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

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