The
1755 earthquake that raized Lisbon to the ground
also had an effect in the Algarve, destroying
a great part of the Algarvian architectural heritage.
Many of the old buildings that remain are churches.
Within the walls of many of these churches, a
fascinating patchwork of styles reflects the centuries
of renovations, additions and remodelling of these
monuments. Solidly built, fortress-like 12th century
churches constructed are termed as Romanesque.
The Gothic style predominant in the 13th and 14th
centuries is characterised by buttresses and pointed
arches.
The unique Manueline architectural style was developed
by the Portuguese during the 15th and 16th centuries.
This was the time when Portugal ruled the seas
and was the richest nation on earth, which was
reflected in this style. The basis was gothic,
but was less formal and included may exotic oriental
touches, including twisted ropes, knots, fish
chains and anchors.
From the middle of the 16th century, Renaissance
took over, and this can be seen through the excessively
ornate Baroque interiors of churches.
After the Great Earthquake, the rebuilding was
dominated by neo-classical architecture, known
in Portugal as Pombaline, characterised by simplicity
of form. However, the fine details of vernacular
architecture was derived mainly from the Moors,
which is often the most interesting in the region
of the Algarve, this influence is predominant
in the wonderful tiles, better known as "azulejos",
which adorn everything from street signs to opulent
church interiors.
