The Algarve is an Aladdin’s cave of architectural styles. As you travel through the region, you’ll see examples of both historic and modern day designs sitting side-by-side.
The Great Earthquake of 1755 shook the whole of Western Europe. Almost all sizable structures in the Algarve were damaged or destroyed. It’s thanks to the Marquis of Pombal, the prime minister of the day, who arranged the reconstruction of countless buildings across the region, that we have buildings of historical interest today.
As the region’s property market begins to recover, we take a look at the major architectural influences through the ages and at what styles are attracting buyers to invest in Algarve property in 2014.
Roman
The Romans were great builders. When they came into rule in the Algarve in the 2nd century BC, they set about constructing roads, bridges and aqueducts. It was the Romans who introduced early forms of plumbing to 
the region and started the trend of decorated buildings with fine mosaics.
You can see numerous examples of Roman built villas across the Algarve, some have been maintained to showcase the region’s heritage. For example, to the west of the Algarve, you can still use The Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) in Silves to cross the Ria Arade on foot. In east Algarve, the Milreu ruins in Estói, near Faro, famous for the remains of its colourful mosaic floors depicting jumping fish, demonstrate the exquisite architecture of this Roman time.
Moorish
The Visigoths followed the Romans, but their short time in power in the region left little evidence of any significant architectural influence. It wasn’t until the Moors conquered Lagos in 716, that the region saw a dramatic change in architectural style, one that would go on to be embraced by those living in and visiting the Algarve today. In our modern-day Algarve, you can see this unique Moroccan styling across the region in its buildings and chimney stacks and, in particular, 
in the awe-inspiring red stone Castle which dominates the landscape in Silves town.
In the mid-13th century, to mark Portugal’s reconquering of the Algarve from Muslim rule, the Portuguese built two Gothic style cathedrals, one in Faro and the other in Silves. It’s in these structures that you can see typical gothic features such as pointed arches, buttresses and ribbed vaulting; this has been mirrored in many parish churches around the Algarve.
Manueline and Renaissance
The Manueline and Renaissance periods followed the Gothic of the 13th, 14th and 15th centuries. Although both short-lived, you’ll find some examples of Manueline ornate flora styling in the Algarve; the decoration around the windows and doorways of the parish church in Santa Bárbara de Nexe is one of many and the interior of Faro Cathedral is a good example of the classical lines and symmetry of Renaissance architecture.
Baroque and Rococo
The rather ostentatious Baroque became fashionable in 17th century Algarve and continued throughout the 18th century. Favoured by the Roman Catholic Church, its intricately carved and gilded woodwork tended to be confined to the interior of buildings, with the exterior often being rather plain and uninteresting. This created a dramatic conflict of styles, such as you’ll see if you visit the Igreja da Ordem Terceira do Carmo de Tavira (Carmo Church). Rococo, the later form of Baroque, was less garish. You can see the diffence in the more graceful architecture of The Palace of Estói which was built in the 18th century.
Modern and modest
In the 19th and early 20th century, the Algarve began to accept a plainer and more modest style. Rectangular in shape with thick whitewashed walls and bright bands of colour painted around the doors and windows, homes were constructed with the aim of keeping their occupants cool in summer and warm in winter. The frontage of many properties was completely tiled for decoration and also as a low maintenance option, keeping out damp in winter and requiring little attention.
The increasing number of tourists to the region in the 21st century has prompted the building of hotel complexes, resort villages, shopping malls and leisure facilities, alongside air conditioned apartment blocks and town houses. The influx of new immigrants from the UK and other parts of the globe, whose cultural styles are reflected in their buildings and renovation of old properties, has resulted in a new age of architectural influence. This blend of cultures is transforming the region into an interesting and diverse landscape of architecture. From ultra-contemporary designs that touch on the futuristic, to meticulous renovation of the traditional.
I wonder what the Algarve will look like in a century or two from now?
NOTE: The properties featured in this article were listed for sale on Meravista at the time of publication, but may have since been sold or removed from the website.
Meravista Property, Ltd.
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