The attractions of Portugal are limitless. And among the most interesting areas is the Algarve, an ideal region for a getaway at any time of the year thanks to its mild autumns and pleasant winters.
But beyond their picturesque towns, long beaches and landscapes with impressive cliffs, the Portuguese south also has other lesser-known places that we cannot overlook, such as the city of Loule. A destination that will be fascinating and where you can travel back centuries to discover the treasures of the most Muslim Algarve.
A unique place in Portugal
Medieval in style, Loulé is a much quieter town than other nearby coastal destinations. Enjoying a few days of relaxation in a place away from mass tourism is one of the reasons to visit this beautiful place. But he is not the only one. In the midst of this town that lives rooted in Portuguese tradition, there is a glorious past that takes us back to the Muslim era, when Loulé (Al-Ulya) was the largest urban settlement of the Islamic era far from the sea.
The best example of those times of prosperity are Islamic Bathsdiscovered in a ruined manor house in 2006, which due to their historical value have been declared a National Monument. Built next to the wall at the same time, in the hammam you can clearly distinguish the vestibule, different water rooms and two cisterns. It is believed that these facilities remained in use until the 14th or 15th century.
What to visit in Loulé
In addition to this historical treasure that the hammam represents, touring the old town, among narrow cobblestone streetsyou will also find the Muslim presence on every corner. Surely the quadrangular tower of the church of San Clemente (old minaret of the Loulé mosque). And among its typically Portuguese atmosphere, the town proudly displays a mix of cultures that is impossible to hide.
He castle, 13th centuryis another of the highlights of Loulé. Of Arab origin, it was built on the site of the old citadel. You can visit both the patio and a section of the walls. The site houses the Municipal Museum of Archeology.
In front of the fortress is the Chapel of Our Lady of Conceição (from the middle of the 17th century). Its austere façade hides an interior with a magnificent golden altar and a valuable tile panel where scenes from the life of the Virgin are represented.
A unique Moorish market in the area
Another of the attractions of Loulé is the market covered in neo-Arabic style. Located next to the historic center, it stands out for its striking architecture, one of the most unique in the entire Algarve. From this enclosure, which is known as A Praça, we have to highlight its reddish minarets and one big doorexcellent It could be the one that leads to the souk of any Arab medina. Inside you can find handmade artisan objects, but also other products such as meat and fish.
Of course, you are in the best place to get close to the gastronomy of Loulé, so don’t leave without trying the local culinary specialty: the delicious Xarém with conquilhas. This traditional dish of medieval origin also has Arab reminiscences (Xarém, comes from the Moorish term Zerem, which designates cereal porridge). It is made with corn flour porridge accompanied by coquinas or also cockles, clams, sardines or even grilled meat.
And if you are in Loulé any saturday morningyou will see the pedestrian streets around the market also converted into a market full of life with positions where typical agricultural products of the area are sold.
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