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Algarvean Costume Ethnographic Museum in Faro


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Faro is the capital of Algarve. In the past Faro was home to both Arab as well as Roman settlements. The way these settlements have affected the lifestyle and the architecture here is evident from various locations spread all over Faro. When the Arabs occupied most of the city, Faro was a significant commercial port. After the earthquake struck Faro in 1755 several buildings were destroyed and they had to be restored and rebuilt. A vacation here is incomplete without visiting historic places in the city. Faro can easily be reached by air as there are several flights to Faro from every major city in the world.

To start with you can check out the huge wall that was constructed in the 9th century. Faro boasts of a medieval wall, where the main aim of constructing the massive structure was to save the population from invaders arriving from the ocean overlooking Ria Formosa.

Algarvean Costume Ethnographic Museum stands at a place in Faro where an affluent muleteer had his house. The muleteer is believed to have grown rich due to his cork trade. This museum building is a fantastic example of materialistic but conservative architecture that was more prevalent during the later years of the 19th century. Apart from the exhibits showing the standard Algarvean costumes worn during this time, the museum also accommodates a collection of famous religious sculptures.

The farm buildings are quite old and have as many as 20 vehicles that were used in Algarve in the olden times. These vehicles include special carriages as well as buggies. These vehicles were used by the rich residents of Faro. Other vehicles are in the form of carts. Oxes and Mules were used for pulling the carts and these were mainly used by the local laborers and farmers. The museum further has several exhibits of old agricultural tack and implements. Apart from these there is a nominated area that shows only the corks and various things that were used in the cork manufacturing industry. It also consists of some of the greatest wood work by the 20th century engraver called Manuel Cabanas.

There are several monuments such as the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assun硯 and the Cathedral. The Cathedral is of Roman and Gothic origin. The Sao Francisco church dates back to the 16th and 18th centuries. Faro also has several museums that you can visit. The Infante Dom Henriquem the Ethnological Museum is one where you can view and learn about Faros traditional way of life. Antoniano and Ramalho Ortigao, next to the Hermitage of Santo Antonio do Alto is also worth visiting. There are some fantastic churches such as Nossa Senhora do Carmo and Sao Pedro da Misericordia. The Roman ruin at Milreu is also something that you can spend some time on.

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