Loulé
Central Algarve market town near to Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago
Loulé is located 16km north west out of Faro and is a sizable market town and centre of public administration with a mainly local population. There are a number of attractions including historical landmarks.
The Loulé Municipal market will catch your eye immediately with it's large colourful Moorish-inspired building. It houses a frequent and bustling produce market, which dominates the centre of town.
Every Saturday the stalls spill out into the streets around the market building where you can buy most of your groceries as well as gourmet products and various other items such as flowers and gifts or watch everyday life from one of the many coffee shops lining the outside walls and streets.
Loulé has a number of modern and historical features including:
The church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, which is a modern church situated just outside town with an unusual large domed shape. It is an important place of pilgrimage and can be found on the road towards Boliqueime.
The castle at Loulé dates back to 13th century Moorish origins. Only parts of the original structure remain which includes three towers that can be visited for free. They formed part of the city walls and there is still an old city gate, the Portas do Céu.
The Monument to Duarte Pacheco, found in the Parque Municipal de Loulé (far end of Avenida 25 de Abril), represents the achievements of this minister for Public works between 1932 and 1943 and a native of Loulé. He implemented town planning throughout Portugal and made multiple socio-economic improvements possible including building the suspension bridge, the Ponte 25 Abril in Lisbon but also building and improving roads and schools throughout Portugal.
The Cine Teatro Louletano – built in 1925, this modern deco theatre hosts plays, ballet and music festivals such as Loule’s annual Jazz festival in July.
Art Catto Gallery can be found opposite the theatre on the tree-lined Avenida José da Costa Mealha. This modern art gallery hosts exhibitions featuring national and international artists.
The Municipal museum of Archaeology- is a small museum located next to the castle and features artifacts found in the region dating back to Roman times and further to Paleolithic and Neolithic ages.
The Convento do Espirito Santo is a former 17th century monastery and now a private university and art gallery
Loulé hosts one of the largest carnival events every year in the Algarve with a big colourful procession along the main avenues in the centre of town in February. The town is also home to the well known Festival Med and more recently played host to LUZA - Algarve International Festival of Light.
