Loule villas Algarve - The ancient town of Loule

Descripton

Located 16 kms north west of Faro, the ancient market town of Loule dates back to Roman times, but little remains from this era.  Earth quakes have been responsible for most of the damage to the Roman and 12^th Century Arabian castle as well as the 13^th century church, but it’s Gothic arches and side chapels dating back to the 16^th Century have survived.  Within the remaining walls of the tow is a museum which gives some history of the church and there is also a museum devoted to the local industry of dried fruits.

Loule attracts many visitors  seeking souvenirs such as the copperware, wrought iron, leather, cane, wood and embroidered goods that can be found amongst its narrow, cobbled streets.   As well as the renowned food market, on a Saturday there is a gypsy market on the western side of town, in sight of an unusual hilltop church that is built on the site of a 16^th Century chapel where a sombre Easter procession requires considerable physical effort on the party of the bearers of the church’s religious shrines.  Two weeks later the shrine is taken back down the hill to the Parish Church and on this occasion, the procession is more festive.

The Carnival in February is considered to be one of the best in Portugal attracting people from all over the Algarve to see the floats and fancy dress parades.  High spirits and youthfulness abound and practical jokes involving fireworks or paint are common.  It is advisable to wear old clothes if you visit.  There is also a handicraft fair in August.