Silves, in the Algarve, is one of the most important historical sites of Portugal. Among the top destinations there, tourists find the Silves Cathedral.
I live in the Algarve and go to Silves frequently. After several visits to the cathedral, I will show you the building, with many photos and some basic information for your visit.
Silves Cathedral
A little bit of history
The construction began in the 13th century. Built with Silves sandstone, the cathedral reveals different phases of its construction in distinct styles, emphasizing Gothic. Some parts have more elegant architecture and attractive decorations. It is worth noting, for example, the decorations on ceilings and columns.
The works continued until the 15th century, reaching the reign of Manuel I, who also ordered the construction of a choir. At that time, the city transferred the remains of D. João II from the cathedral to the Monastery of Santa Maria da Batalha. (King D. João II died in Alvor, very close to Silves, in 1495.)
In the 18th century, the cathedral underwent further renovations. Constructors added altars and altarpieces. But other works in the middle of the recent 20th century have dismantled much of the reformulation. For instance, they removed the choir and the pipe organ.
That’s sad, Damas. Now, can you please show a little more of the exterior before we enter the cathedral?
Sure.
The exterior of the cathedral
We can see Silves Cathedral from different points of Silves. It is very close to the Silves Castle, hence the privileged location. Castles were built in higher places to facilitate observation and defense.
Look at these photos with me:
A history that begins in the 13th century
Inside
Come with me.
It’s not religion only that we find here. History is key to attracting tourists.
The cathedral’s interior is inviting, but we must be ready for disappointment. It is one more poorly preserved historic church in Portugal: walls and items in poor condition, musty smell, lack of identification and explanation in some places. This is especially shocking when we remember that visitors pay to enter.
It is common to find poorly maintained historic churches in Portugal
Graves
In Silves Cathedral, like in other cathedrals, we find graves on the ground and caskets (here, all poorly maintained). The human remains are not from members of the clergy only. Wealthy families donated money to the Church to guarantee the right of burial there. It was a way of purchasing a place in Paradise. “In the church, close to God.”
There are also tombs of people with great historical weight. For example, the family of a man buried there was a pioneer during the population of Madeira island. How about the tomb of D. Fernando Coutinho, bishop of Silves? He was in the negotiations that led to the famous Treaty of Tordesillas.
Location
To make your life easier, locate Silves Cathedral on Google Maps.
Have a nice day in Silves!
G.P. DAMAS
» I live in the Algarve (South of Portugal).
» My first fiction books, for young adults, were published in the early 2000s in Portuguese — a time travel adventure and a drama about child adoption, both with thousands of readers. I also wrote books and guides about travel and technology. Screenplays are my greatest passion.
» This blog is the English version of my G.P. DAMAS (Portuguese language, online since 2010). English is not my native language.
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