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Faro - History |
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Held by the
Moors from early in the 8th century until 1249, the city was the last
Moorish stronghold in Portugal.
During the 500 years
occupation there were some Jewish
inhabitants in Faro
who were busily printing copies of the Old
Today Faro’s primary economic activity is Agriculture, and it exports fish, wine, sumac (for tanning), and fruit. The district is also popular with tourists because of its mild climate, fine beaches, and Moorish-looking towns. Henry the Navigator chose the district as a base for his expeditions in the 15th century, which sailed from ports near Faro city. |
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Faro is the capital of the Algarve. As the
largest, busiest and one of the oldest of the region's towns, it is
concerned mostly with the serious business of provincial administration,
trade and commerce. 
Testament. 
Judging by what archaeologists find the Romans were a clean and
holy lot. The ruins at Milreu near Estoi to the north of Faro
include a bathhouse and a temple. The pagan temple is unusual since it
dates from the 4th century AD when many Romans were already converted to
Christianity. This was a large villa, which must have belonged to a
wealthy family. There are mosaic pavements including one showing fish with
very curious faces. For a long time this was thought to be the site of the
Roman city of Ossonoba. But spectacular discoveries beneath the city
of Faro have shown that Ossonoba occupied the same coastal site as
today’s city. Ossonoba was important enough to have its own mint
where coins were struck.
