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The Turret of the City Gate, in the Historic Center of Silves (Algarve)

This is the English version of my blog GDAMAS (Portuguese language, online since 2010). I'm still working on it. English is not my native language. Please, feel free to correct me.


Silves, in the Algarve, is a city that breathes History. I go there every year — especially in August, the month of the traditional Medieval Fair.

Tourists love to explore the Historic Centre. We find there, for example, a castle and a cathedral.

The tour in the Historic Centre usually begins on the N124 road, which crosses the city (this is shown in an article with a basic day trip Silves). From there, next to a square, we follow up through narrow streets.

Right in the first minutes of walking, almost obligatorily the tourist crosses the Turret of the City Gate.

Silves’ Turret of the City Gate

In medieval times, the turret (12th or 13th century), with gates (popularly known in Portuguese as “Portas da Cidade de Silves”), was part of the wall that protected the site. The gates gave access to the main street.

We no longer see the walls, but the tower is in perfect condition.

See them now with me, through the pictures below … and get inspired for your visit in Silves.

Virtual tour

Storks in Silves
Fun fact – A few steps below the Turret of the City Gate, looking at the opposite way, we always see this chimney with a nest of storks. Silves is full of storks.
Storks in a nest
The Turret of the City Gate - Silves, Algarve
On the way up the narrow street in Silves’ Historic Centre, we finally see the structure of the Turret of the City Gate. (At the top right of the tower, one more stork nest.)
A square
A square next to the turret.

Storks are an extra show to see in Silves

Entrance to the Turret of the City Gate of Silves
We will enter here.
Side of Silves' Turret Gate of the City
Top of the tower
Top right – Part of that stork nest.
A detail of the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
A man walking at the side of the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
The entrance of the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves

Enter the turret with me:

Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves

A beautiful passage that leads us to more of the History of Silves

Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves
After the passage
Right after crossing the turret, we see this gift shop on the left. I recommend it. Then, head up on the stone street, exploring the Historical Center.

Location

Interested in visiting this place?

To make your life easier, locate Silves’ Turret of the City Gate directly on Google Maps.

Map showing the Turret of the Cite Gate in Silves
Red arrow: Turret of the City Gate (Portas da Cidade de Silves). Pink arrow: Silves Cathedral. Green arrow: Silves Castle.

Have fun in Silves!

G. DAMAS
I live in the Algarve (South of Portugal). My first fiction book, for young adults, was published in 2001 in Portuguese language — a time travel adventure that won thousands of readers. I also wrote some travel and tech books and manuals.
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