Rota da Laranja or Orange Tree Route

It was a windy and overcast day as we headed into the heart of the Algarve to explore several small towns but it cleared up in the afternoon and ended with a stunning sunset.

Our first stop was Almancil, a totally undistinguished town except for Igreja Matriz de Sao Lourenco or Saint Lawrence Church in English.  It was built in 1730 in gratitude to Saint Lawrence who answered the towns desperate prayers for finding a water well.  

 The church's interior is a masterpiece of decoration in Portuguese glazed tiles known as "azulejos".  The blue and white tiles cover the entire interior of the church and depict the life of Saint Lawrence.

 On our way to the next town we had to stop the car for a shepherd and his flock as they cross the road heading for another pasture.  A very rural experience.

Loule is a market town and this is their massive indoor market.  Of course by the time we arrived the market was closing down.  So we explored the town and stopped for a coffee in an outdoor cafe before heading off to our next destination 
The route we traveled heading towards Silves is known as Rota da Laranja (orange route) which explains all the orange groves we saw covering the landscape.  Apparently, the municipality of Silves is responsible for 40% of Portugal's citrus production and the town is known as the "Capital of Oranges".  How sweet it is.

Silves with its whitewashed Roman bridge (the current bridge is from the 15th century) crossing the Arade river, Moorish Castle and the Cathedral of Silves      
Walking up the hill to the castle we passed these wonderfully refurbished traditional houses.

Cathedral of Silves was built on the foundations of a mosque and was converted and expanded after the Christian conquest in 1242 but took until 1470 to be completed.  It was badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake but quickly repaired with the Bell Tower being added at that time.  It is considered to be the main Gothic monument in the Algarve and classified as a National Monument.

Got home just in time to experience this amazing sunset that turned the water and sand pink.  




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