Silves

Description

Silves is a compact town built on a series of terraces between the River Arade and the Silves Castle. First settled by Phoenician traders their riverside colony grew to become the Roman city of Sibilis, and then, from the 8th century, the Moorish city of Xelb. The Christians finally gained control in 1242. Much of this magnificent city was badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake. But reminders of its powerful past can be seen in the sandstone walls of the impressive Castle, which provides fantastic views from its battlements over the surrounding countryside.