Last time, we promised we would talk about the Baroque and the Rococo, the prominent European styles of the 17th and 18th century. Reminiscent of the German style predominant even today in that part of the Western Europe, the Baroque proposed a daring new style based on gilded and carved woodwork, both for the interior and the exterior design of buildings. The exterior may not have looked that impressive, but the overall image of the Baroque era has its charm – though it displayed a rather poignant tendency for… stuffiness.

… Though if we are to talk about stuffiness and a penchant for over-ornamented objects, buildings and furniture, Rococo is the subject! In the Algarve, searching for the Baroque, you will encounter the Almacil construction of St Lawrence’s Church. As for Rococo, the Palace of Estoi, built in the 18th century, is the most convincing example.

Alas, we finally alight in the modern age. After the last “outburst” of Romanticism in the early 19th century, Europe, the entire world and Portugal with it started to embrace the plainer, modest and unspectacular architectural style. The practical side of the late-19th century and 20th century constructions has to be given some credit, although the style can be found somewhat lacking (or is downright absent).

As for today, the postmodern and (some would say) post-postmodern style in the Algarve is represented by hotel complexes, shopping malls and spas and the ever-present blocks of flats. Still, the architectural landscape is still evolving, as Western immigrants and tourists leave their mark in this cosmopolitan side of Portugal.

Hoping you have enjoyed this whirlwind tour through the history of Portuguese architecture, we once again encourage you to visit the Algarve for an amazing experience!

Having been influenced throughout the centuries by elements as varied as the ancient Romans, the Moors, the Hebrews and more recently, the English and the French, the sunny shores of the Algarve represent a “melting pot” of… architectural styles. Age-old relics stand side by side with modern minimalist shops, Renaissance buildings face postmodern monuments, all in an eclectic and enticing liberal mixture.

Chronologically speaking, the Romans were the first to leave clear traces of their passing. As all empires, they wanted to leave their mark through the buildings they created – and they did love building! Roads, stone bridges and aqueducts were their specialties, but they also erected lavish countryside villas and monuments decorated with the finest mosaics. In Silves, you can still cross the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) across the Rio Arde. Near Faro, there is also another ancient site: the Milreu ruins in Estoi (a beautiful proof of the fine mosaic we were just mentioning).

Jumping forward a few centuries, we come to the rule of the Moors. (It is true that the Romans were directly followed by the Visigoths, but their stay was short and left virtually no traces in the architectural legacy of Portugal). The Moorish style, however, was a different story. The Moroccan style, with its ribbed vaults and arches and intricate flower models and minarets, is very much present in today’s Algarve.

Hoping to have captured your attention, we promise to continue our journey next time. Meanwhile, we encourage you to explore the Algarve whenever you first get the chance!