National Monument -
This arch is one of the Old Town’s entrances. Commissioned by the Bishop of the Algarve, D. Francisco Gomes do Avelar, it was designed by the Genoese architect Francisco Xavier Fabri.
This monumental portal bears a niche with the image of Saint Thomas Aquinas.
It was inaugurated in 1812 with the purpose to sanctify the Vila-Adentro (Old Town) as well as to dignify the former Praça da Rainha (Queen’s Square) today called Manuel Bivar Garden.
It is one of the most representative examples of neoclassicism in the Algarve.
Since December 1st 2015 it houses Arco da Vila Interpretative Center. This cultural venue is destined to promote the town's history: its establishment, its rebirth after the 1975's earthquake, until the present day.
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Specifications
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Classification
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National Monument
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Commissioned by
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Bishop D. Francisco Gomes de Avelar
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Design
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Francisco Xavier Fabri, architect |
| Date of construction/reconstruction/other work |
19th and 20th century
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| Type |
Commemorative, civil architecture. Neoclassical example
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| Special features |
Semicircular arch flanked by ionic columns supporting an architrave with niche topped by a triangular pediment |
Next to the Town Arch stands the Arab Door.
Adress: Rua do Município8000-39837º0'52.96''N 7º56'5.48''W Phone: (+351)289 802 326 - from a national fixed networkE-mail: museu.municipal@cm-faro.ptWebsite: www.cm-faro.pt
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00am - 6:00pm