Alvor's long history has been traced to as far back as the Roman times, the discovery of a Neolithic village on Vila Velha hill, overlooking the Ria de Alvor, still retaining traces of the Roman occupation.
Alvor was a thriving port under the Moorish rule, and the ramparts defending it saw lots of action. The port was conquered in 1189 by King Sancho I who led the Portuguese army, (with a little help from the Crusaders en route to the Holy Land) only to be retaken by the Moors.

Alvor returned to Christian dominion in 1250, (that's ten to one (think about it)) at the same time as the conquest of the whole of the Algarve.
In 1300 they rebuilt the town walls.
Alvor was given town status by King João II, who died there in 1495. In the 15th and 16th centuries it prospered and grew, but in the great earthquake of 1755 it suffred badly, and Alvor would never regain its former splendour.
Today, Alvor is very much a picturesque fishing village, with narrow streets of white houses and colourful boats. You can still see the fishermen preparing thair catch around the old fishing market.

The main church in Alvor was built in the 16th century, and rebuilt in the 18th century. The main doorway is profusely decorated, and is possibly one of the most beautiful in the Algarve - The side door is in the Manueline style. The three supporting columns to the the naves, the fonts and the triumphal arch of the altar are all part of the original structure. The carved retable on the high altar, with its impressive life-size statue of Jesus, is from the 18th century. There is also a fine panel depicting the Saviour.
This small, but important church also contains polychrome tiles with 18th century figurative panels - the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper - several statues and tombs. Don't forget the fantastic view from the churchyard of the Ria de Alvor, town and the encircling sea.

Alvor castle has all but disappeared only two stretches of wall that were once part of the fortress can be seen and are now part of houses

The Ria de Alvor
To one side the sea, to the other the numerous sandbars of the great estuary stretching inland, and between them a long, broad sand dune. This beautiful setting is a birdwacher or naturelovers dream come true. It's the nesting place of dozens of species of migratory bird, and also supports an interesting variety of animal life..

Alvor also has one of the finest beaches, the Meia Praia, in the Algarve.

Advertise your Buisness Here!