 A pretty
seaside town of Arab origin, Alvor was once a Moorish settlement with its
own castle. Little is left of the castle now although the remaining stone
has been used over the centuries to construct many of the local houses.
Today, Alvor is very much a tourist town, set on a hillside with stunning
views over the Alvor estury the town’s narrow streets have a variety of
bars and restaurants which overflow in the summer months. There is also
 a large beach which makes a
peaceful retreat from the bustle of the busy streets. The 16th century
parish church, Igreja Matriz, had to be rebuilt in the 18th century after
the earthquake of 1755. However, the beautiful Manueline portal with its
profusion of flowers and foliage carved into the  arched columns of the doorway survived intact. In more recent
years Alvor made history as the venue for the negotiations which brought
about independence for the former Portuguese territory of Angola. |
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