Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves (Rua das Portas de Loulé 14, Silves) —
this museum, oponed in 1990, was built on the site of a 19th century residence where the water reservoir was discovered and which became the centrepiece of the museum. In an excellent state of preservation, it dates back to the Almohade period (12th – 13th centuries) and made out of Silves sandstone it is around 20 metres in depth. It is considered an example unique to Portugal as it has a helix staircase with three windows to ensure easier access to the water. These are features rare to Arab architecture.
The Museum’s collections are arranged into four chronological periods: pre-history, the Roman period, the Moorish period and the Portuguese period (through to the 17th century). Of particular interest are the Iron Age funeral monoliths with their Southwest Peninsular inscriptions. Hours: Open 9 am – 6 pm (Monday through Saturday). Closed on Sundays & holidays.