Paço Episcopal de Faro

Paço Episcopal de Faro, the Episcopal Palace, stands on Largo da Sé in the heart of Faro's old town in the Algarve. Its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roof dominate a quiet square that also holds the city's cathedral. It is one of the most interesting historic buildings in the regional capital, and a place to see richly tiled interiors that most visitors walk right past.

What is the history of the Episcopal Palace in Faro?

The palace dates back to 1585, the year the episcopal seat moved from Silves to Faro. The new centre of church authority needed a residence for its bishop, and the palace rose next to the cathedral. It is regarded as one of the most representative examples of the "chão" style in the Algarve, a plain, restrained Portuguese architecture.

Only years after it was finished, the palace suffered a dramatic blow. In 1596 Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex and a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I, attacked Faro. English troops ransacked the town and the bishop's library, which held precious manuscripts and Portugal's first printed book, a Hebrew Old Testament. The palace was badly damaged and rebuilt in 1598.

The 1755 earthquake caused further damage. Door and window surrounds were redone in the Rococo manner, and the Rococo portal can still be seen today.

What is there to see inside?

The main draw is the 18th-century azulejo tile work in Baroque and Rococo styles, known for its remarkable range of colour. The tiles begin in the reception hall, climb the staircase and continue through three rooms on the first floor. Walls covered in glazed tiles impress even visitors who normally have little interest in decorative arts.

Outside, look for the distinctive scissor-shaped roof structures and the Rococo portal. Together they show how the Algarve combined modest exteriors with lavish interiors.

Can tourists visit the palace?

Yes. The palace is still the residence of the Bishop of the Algarve, but part of it is open to the public as a small museum. It was officially opened to visitors on 11 April 2019. You walk through several rooms decorated with azulejos. Opening hours and ticket prices can change, so check the Faro municipal website or a tourism portal before you go.

How to plan a visit

The palace sits inside the old town walls, so it fits naturally into a walk around Cidade Velha. The Sé de Faro cathedral is right next door, and both together usually take an hour or two. It makes a calm stop on a hot day when the beaches are crowded.

Frequently asked questions

When was the Episcopal Palace of Faro built? Its origins are tied to 1585, when the bishopric moved from Silves to Faro.

Who damaged the palace in the 16th century? In 1596 the forces of the Earl of Essex sacked Faro and the palace, which was rebuilt in 1598.

Does the bishop still live there? Yes, it is the residence of the Bishop of the Algarve, and only part of the building is open to visitors.

What is the highlight inside? The 18th-century Baroque and Rococo azulejos, from the reception hall up the staircase to the first-floor rooms.