Moorish inspirations

As mentioned earlier, traditional Algarvian architecture reflects the history of the region, combining popular taste and practicalities in the South.

The whiteness of lime washed walls reflects sunlight very effectively, and, being constantly renewed, is a statement of both cleanliness and pride.  Together with the coloured mouldings around the doors and windows, they are key characteristics of Algarve’s houses, but vary from region to region.

In the Serra do Caldeirão, houses were formerly circular structures made from stone or mud, with conical thatched roofs. Today, they are quadrangular, made from schist and red sandstone.  In Monchique, they are built using ash grey granite.  On the plains, the typical house is small, and built of limestone with a Moorish or Portuguese roof. Along the coast, they are constructed with raised terraces with external stairs going up to a viewing gallery which is erected in the highest part of the building to observe the return of the fishing boats. Another feature of coastal architecture arising from Muslim influence is the roof terrace where people go to cool themselves down and relax, as well as to dry figs, almonds and corn.  Mouldings, decorative in nature with coloured geometrical designs, finish off the facades of the buildings.  The chimneys, typical of the Algarve, are ornately decorated in every house.