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

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 like to explore the Historic Center. We find there, for example, a castle and a cathedral.

The tour in the Historic Center usually begins on the N124 road, which crosses the city (this appears in a post with an essential day trip to Silves). From there, next to a square, we follow up through narrow streets.

In the first minutes of walking, tourists cross the Turret of the City Gate, popularly known in Portuguese as “Portas da Cidade de Silves.”

Silves’ Turret of the City Gate

In medieval times, the turret (12th or 13th century), with gates, was part of the walls 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 the structure now with me through the pictures below, and get inspired for your visit to Silves.

Virtual tour

Storks in Silves
Fun fact – A few steps below the Turret of the City Gate, looking 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 through the narrow streets of Silves’ Historical Center, 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 to cross the structure.
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 with me:

Inside the Turret of the City Gate, in Silves

A beautiful passage that leads 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
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

Are you 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.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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