From inside Silves Castle we were able to walk the wall around the perimeter of the castle. From the top of the wall we not only got a sense of the scale of the castle but, great views of the surrounding countryside in all directions. One can easily see why the Moors selected this site to build a fortified castle.
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| Inside the Silves Castle © Spaswinefood |
Dining in Silves
After our visit to the Silves Castle we had lunch at Marisqueira Casa Velha, which specializes in Portuguese cuisine. We selected a sparkling wine from their wine display for lunch.
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| Wine Display at Marisqueira Casa Velha © Spaswinefood |
It is always fun to check out a new Portuguese wine. It was a medium dry sparkling wine, Bejamin Vinho Espumante from Vinicola Valle do Barro.
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| Marisqueira Casa Velha © Spaswinefood |
For lunch we ordered a shrimp dish and an omelet.
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| Omelette, Marisqueira Casa Velha © Spaswinefood |
Now for something sweet we shared some cake. The cake can be best described as a jelly roll, with custard and jelly at the center.
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| Dessert, Marisqueira Casa Velha © Spaswinefood |
It is often the custom to bring a complimentary drink at the end of a meal. In this case we were served something sweet. Lunch at Marisqueira Casa Velha was delightful. We enjoyed the hospitality and the great service we received at this restaurant.
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| After Lunch Drink, Marisqueira Casa Velha © Spaswinefood |
Exploring Silves
During lunch it rained and so when we returned outside the streets were wet. After visiting the Silves Castle we were anxious to explore more of Silves. Yes, even though it had rained we were determined to continue.
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| Silves on a Rainy Day © Spaswinefood |
Off we went to the Silves Municipal Museum of Archeology. The museum provides information and houses archeological from the city and the region. The most important displays include findings from the Silves Castle and the Cerro da Rocha Branca archaeological site. If you travels take you to Silves the museum is well worth a visit. When you visit the Silves Castle an admission to the museum can be purchased for a resonable fee.
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| Directions to the Silves Archeological Museum © Spaswinefood |
The museum was built on the site of a 19th century residence where a well preserved water reservoir from the Almohade period (12- 13th century) was discovered. The well, an impressive display Arab architecture is the central piece at the museum. The 20 metres deep well was made out from Silves sandstone.
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| Silves Archeological Museum © Spaswinefood |
While in Silves it was interesting to explore some of the historical streets. It is hard to miss the Silves Cathederal, another impressive architectural structure in town. Built originally as a mosque by the Moors it was later converted to a cathedral. The Silves Cathederal is considered to be the Algarve's main Gothic monument. It is also on Portugal's register of national monuments.
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