Conveniently located along the coast city of Albufeira attracts more travelers from year to year. The bulk of tourists come to the city in order to relax on the purest sandy beaches and buy in transparent turquoise water. Fifty years ago, Albufeira was a typical fishing village of Portugal, and now it is one of the most popular resorts in the region. The city has everything you need for an interesting and comfortable stay: historical monuments, remarkable places and fun nightlife.
In Albuofer, tourists can devote time not only to the beautiful beaches and the ocean, but also the city itself. Especially since it has where to walk and what to see. Almost no wonder the city established pointers that facilitate leisure travelers and helping to find the road to local attractions.
Old Town (Old Town)
The most picturesque part of Albuofer is the old town. It is here in the labyrinth of steep, narrow streets leading up (down) on the slope past the main square are preserved in the Mauritan style. Many of the houses were built back in the XVIII century. Walk through this part of the city will bring true pleasure. Peer tourists can be behind a cup of coffee in street cafes on the square of Largo Eng Duarte Pacheco. This place is decorated with beautiful trees and green shrubs, and located in the old town of the cafe offer menus in English (which is not particularly common in the city).
All significant urban monuments are scattered around the old city.
Clock Tower (Torre Do Relógio)
On the street Rua Bernardino de Souza there is a local treasure in the form of an old clock tower. This structure is considered an urban guideline. For tourists, this tower is of interest, as it opens a magnificent panoramic view of most of the city. It is possible to climb to the observation platform of the tower. To do this, it will be necessary to overcome the steep staircase. The bell located on the top of the tower is enshrined in the iron crown, and the tower chimes are often reported to local losses and tourists. On holidays and during local crown festivals, the city's guests glows and attracts the attention of guests of the city.
Bell Tower and Parish Church (Torre Sineira & Igreja Matriz)
The bell tower is part of the parish church and has eight sonicate bells. Tourists will be able to reach the top of the bell tower on the stairs, the length of which is 28 meters. For visitors, the bell tower is open on Wednesdays and Mondays. The very building of the parish church is performed in a neoclassical architectural style. From the initial building of the eighteenth century after the earthquake, almost nothing remains. However, restoring the church, the locals tried to recreate the basic elements of the original design. During the visit to this spiritual place, travelers will be able to admire the statue of Our Lady of Concept. She is one of the few sacred things that have survived during the earthquake. In addition, the Mother of God is considered a patroness of the city and helps everyone who appeals to her with requests.
The entrance to the bell tower is located on the side of the street Rua Miguel Bombarda. To visit the church, tourists will need to go to the neighboring street Rua Igreja Nova.
Church of St. Anne (Igreja de Sant'ana)
Mandatory place to visit all travelers is the Church of St. Anne. It was built in the eighteenth century. The true decoration of the church chapel is a wooden altar. It is believed that this elegant masterpiece created famous Portuguese Masters Joao Baptist and Francisco Ksaver. The interior of the church is decorated with antique icons and frescoes, and before entering the altar, the wooden crucifixion of Christ is installed. In size, the church is small. However, despite this, it is the most visited place in the city.
Church is open daily from 9:00 to 18:00. Entrance to everyone free. It is located near the bell tower on the street Rua Miguel Bombarda.
Chapel of Mercy (Capela Da Misericórdia)
Specially allocate time to visit the chapel to tourists is not worth it. It is possible to look at it if expensive to the beach or other attractions will be held through the street Enrique Kalado. It is on it that there is an ancient Arab mosque, converted to the Gothic chapel. Inside the building, tourists can look at the carved altar and openwork decorations made of wood.
The chapel is freely open for tourists every day from 9:00 to 18:00.
Church of Saint Sebastian (Igreja de São Sebastião)
The building of the church is made in a mixed style. Most of the church represents the style of Manuelino, and the unusual dome and doors are elements of Baroque. At the moment, the church serves as a museum for religious artifacts. The most beautiful exhibit of the church museum is a carved wooden image of saints. In addition, the church has an art gallery, in which the works of priests are exhibited.
There is a church on the square of Miguel Bombard. Tourists can visit this place on any day to six o'clock in the evening completely free.
Municipal Museum of Archeology
Lovers of history and antiquity can look at the museum, which is located in the old building of the municipality. All exhibits of this place are talking about local history. A separate hall is assigned for each historical period. Most of the Roman and Moorish history of Albufeira is presented in the form of manuscripts.