Knight Frank Property for Sale in Silves
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8 kms North of Lagoa, is the town of Silves, a medieval town, circled by the red ring of the old medieval walls and surrounded by rolling hills, making it one of the Algarve´s most attractive inland towns. The town also boasts a cathedral and old Moorish castle set within cobbled streets.
History of the area
Silves was an important port for the Phoenicians and was names Silibis by the Romans. Under the Moors, Silves became capital of the region and had a population of 3 times the current one. Before the river silted up it was a thriving port and place of grandeur, described in contemporary accounts as “of shining brightness” within its 3 dark circles of guarding walls. It was also famed for its artistic community and in the 10th century was considered more culturally important than Granada. Such glories ended in 1189 with the arrival of the Crusaders. The citizens of the city retreated to the citadel, where they remained until their water ran out. Despite assurances of their safety when the gates were opened the crusaders ransacked the town killing 6000 moors. Silves passed back to Moorish hand 2 years later but it finally fell to Christian forces in 1249. Under Christian rule it continued to be a major port and housed the Bishopric until 1577 when it moved to Faro. The town lost its importance with the silting of the river.
Culture
The flat riverfront area is the market which operates from Monday to Saturday where you can sit and watch the world go by. The fortress dominates the town centre, restored in 1940 is open to the public. The cathedral built on the site of the old mosque and flanked by large gothic towers it survived the earthquake. The tombs lining the walls air of the bishops and crusaders who died taking silves back from the moors.
The Archeological museum also has interesting relics from the area.
Unique points
The annual summer beer festival, normally held in July attracts big crowds and at this time there are a number of special events
Types of property available
Ex-pats and 2nd home owners that are happy to be 15 minutes from the coast are attracted to the area because of its feeling of the “old” Portugal with no modern development. Prices are slightly lower than the coastal areas and with no modern developments most of the 2nd home market in the area is individual villas set in a rural location around Silves or Messines approx 10kms inland from Silves.
Market comment
A fairly specialized market. But the area does appeal to some because of its historical charm and lack of modern development. Houses in this area do however take longer to sell and prices do have a ceiling as you are that bit back from the coast.
Access
Train station is 2kms south of town.
The EN124-1 road takes you to Lagoa motorway junction and the nearest coastal town is Carvoeiro, 15 minutes drive.
Property for sale in Silves | Houses for sale in Silves