Paul Bernhardt - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Travel Guide: Algarve

The interior of the 13th-century cathedral reveals a fusion of the Gothic, Renaissance and the Baroque: the Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, especially, is a jewel of Baroque art, with splendid gilded and lacquered woodcarvings, inlaid marble and a surround of polished azulejos.

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Gargoyles in the shape of animals embellish the delightfully secluded Renaissance cloisters of this former convent, which imaginatively incorporates the museum. Highlights include a huge Roman floor mosaic, a collection of Moorish oil lamps and an exquisite 16th-century Eucharistic safe. (For further details see .) Museu Arqueolgico open 10am7pm (6pm winter) TueFri, 11:30am6pm (10:30am5pm winter) Sat & Sun Adm

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Stunning azulejos panels depicting the life of St Francis adorn the walls of this 17th-century church. The vault contains an outstanding polychrome panel showing the coronation of the Virgin. Igreja de Sao Francisco Open 8:30am-6:30pm MonSat, 9am-6:30pm Sun

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The original building was plundered and damaged by the Earl of Essex in 1596. Rebuilt again after the 1755 earthquake, its still in use today, but closed to the public.

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The grandiose arch was inaugurated in 1812. Tucked inside the arch is an 11th-century horseshoe gate, which is believed to have been built by the Moors and is the only one of its kind in the Algarve.

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Overlooking a pretty square, this 17th-century chapel is home to a lovely configuration of gilded wood carvings and a series of whimsical oil panels depicting scenes from the Old Testament. At the rear is a chapel with an 18th-century azulejos crucifix.

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Set into a niche in the castle walls, this small chapel lies in the shadow of the medieval Gate of Rest. Popular legend has it that Afonso III, fresh from his victory over the Moors, rested here.

The Story of Faro

The Phoenicians and Carthaginians established trading posts on the banks of the Ria Formosa, which flourished into a major Roman port known as Ossonoba. The Moors fortified the town but couldnt halt the armies of Afonso III, who captured the city in 1249. A period of prosperity ended in 1596 when the Earl of Essex plundered and burned the city. Rebuilding began, but the 1755 earthquake destroyed it again, forever altering the urban make-up.

Tip: The 16th-century Porta Nova in the south wall is near the embarkation point for trips.

Tip: Cathedral entry includes access to the bell tower, which offers spectacular views of Faro.

Tip: The bar-restaurante