Faro Museums

(Faro, Algarve, Portugal)

There is a small selection of very memorable museums within Faro. The Municipal Museum of Archaeology (Museu Municipal de Faro) is especially worthy of a visit and this attraction is easy to spot, since a prominent statue of King Afonso (Portugal's king between 1249 and 1279) stands outside, holding a large crucifix

To learn more about the region's important maritime past, the Maritime Museum (Museu Maritimo) on the harbourfront is the place to head. Alternatively, the Regional Museum of the Algarve (Museu Regional Do Algarve) is yet another cultural highlight.

Municipal Museum of Archaeology (Museu Municipal de Faro / Museo Arqueologico)

Address: Praca Afonso III, Faro, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0289 897 400
The city's Museo Arqueologico is located within an especially beautiful 16th-century convent (Convento da Nossa Senhora da Assuncao), which is amongst Portugal's oldest and best preserved. Inside, visitors to the Faro Museum of Archaeology will find a splendid cloister and impressive Roman mosaic depicting Neptune and the four winds, which dates as far back as the 3rd century. Other attractions include various Roman statues and artefacts discovered during the excavations of Estoi, decorative Moorish lamps and paintings from the Baroque and Renaissance periods.
Open hours: May to September, Tuesday to Friday - 09:30 to 17:30, Saturday and Sunday - 11:30 to 17:30; October to April, Tuesday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:00, Saturday and Sunday - 14:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge

Maritime Museum (Museu Maritimo)

Address: Capitania de Porto de Faro, Faro, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0289 894 990
The Museu Maritimo can be found at the harbour and alongside the city gardens, cafes and stylish yachts, and although fairly modest in size, is especially interesting. Visitors will enjoy learning about the local fishing techniques and checking out the collections of model boats and naval ships, seashells and Portuguese maritime memorabilia. Nearby, the Rua Comandante Francisco Manuel offers a scenic promenade alongside the seafront and historic city walls.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 14:30 to 16:30
Admission: free

Regional Museum of the Algarve (Museu Regional Do Algarve)

Address: Praca de Liberdade, Faro, Portugal, PT
Tel: +351 0289 827 610
Celebrating the local handicrafts and their respective industries from throughout the Algarve, the Museu Regional Do Algarve is brimming with reconstructions of cottage interiors and hand-made lace works and weaving. Also on display are models of traditional Portuguese fishing nets still used to catch tuna fish today, together with exhibits relating to both salt panning and saddlery. Of particular note is the
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 12:30, 14:00 to 17:30
Admission: charge