Igreja Matriz

The Algarve


Built in 1587 and renovated several times after the 1755 earthquake, this church has three naves separated by Tuscan columns, 17th-century paintings and 18th-century gilded carvings. Breezy views of the orange groves and surrounding valleys extend from its parvis. On Easter Sunday the church is the central point of the Festa das Tochas Floridas, which sees the roadway heading into the town centre covered in a carpet of flowers.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby The Algarve attractions

1. Calçadinha de São Brás de Alportel

0.09 MILES

Constructed during Roman times, this ancient road is thought to have linked Faro (Ossonoba) with Beja (Pax Julia). It was used by mules and shepherds…

2. Jardim de Verbena

0.14 MILES

Below what was once a bishop's palace, this pretty garden has an 18th-century covered water fountain with eight spouts, and is a shady place for a picnic.

3. Centro da Calçadinha

0.14 MILES

This interpretive centre has a small exhibition on Moorish and Roman history in the area, and information on the Calçadinha de São Brás de Alportel, an…

4. Museu do Traje

0.22 MILES

Encased in azulejos, this beautifully maintained museum occupies a former cork magnate’s mansion, which retains its original kitchen. It displays an ever…

5. Nova Cortiça

1.32 MILES

On these fascinating behind-the-scenes cork factory tours, you'll learn about the tree's life cycle, harvesting and the manufacturing process, from drying…

6. Milreu Ruins

3.94 MILES

Situated 900m west of Estói, these Roman villa ruins are so large and grand they were originally thought to have been a town. The villa, inhabited from…

7. Pólo Museológico da Água

6.4 MILES

On the village square, this small museum has a model of a waterwheel as well as information panels (in Portuguese) on water use. There's also a tourist…

8. Monterosa Olive Oil

7.18 MILES

Hour-long tours at this gold medal–winning olive oil producer take you around part of the 20-hectare estate showing you the five different varieties of…