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A brief history of the Algarve
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Although it is difficult to determine who exactly were the first settlers on the Algarve, most experts would agree that the first modern-day
settlers arrived during the bronze age, arriving from north Africa and setting up trading posts across the coast. Unfortunately very few footprints
have been left from these settlers and we know very little about them.
While it is still possible to see some of the Phoenician and Celtic influences on the Algarve during the iron age, it isn't until we reach the few
hundred years b.c. that history reveals some of the greatest influencers of Algarve life and culture. During this period the Algarve was largely dominated
by settlers known as Carthaginians
who arrived from modern day tunisia, bringing with them hints of the Afr
ican-Moorish culture widespread across the modern
Algarve.
Like most of Europe, the Algarve holds many of its roots and traditions in the Roman Empire which invaded the area, crumbling the Carthaginian period on the Algarve.
Of course, we're all aware of the changes this empire brought including propery sanitary systems, education and the birth of modern day thinking. If you're interested
in seeing some of the history from this period, the Roman ruins of Milreu just outside of Faro city are worth visiting. The Municipal museum in Silves has an interesting display in beautiful surroundings and is well worth a visit.
Although the Roman Empire had an unbelievable effect on Algarve culture and lifestyles, it is the influence of the Moorish culture that is most visible today.
Silves castle which is just a few minutes drive from Duas Quintas is one major example of this. The Moorish castle sits proudly overlooking the town of Silves (once the capital
city of the Algarve), demonstrating the influence and changes the Moorish invasion brought.
Of course, this is only a snapshot of some of the exciting historical views to enjoy across the Algarve today. The Algarve, and of course the rest of Portugal, has a varied
and dynamic history that makes it a delight for walkers and travellers to enjoy as they discover the Algarve. As your hosts we would be more than happy to
offer advice on some of the most exciting historical parts of the Algarve for walkers to visit.
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