1260s – Cathedral, Faro, Portugal

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The main chapel boasts a fine altar, throne and two Italian canvasses. The two side chapels are among the best examples of baroque carving in the Algarve. The walls and altar of the Chapel of the Santissimo Sacramento (Most Holy Sacrament) are decorated with carvings and four 18th century paintings. The Chapel of the Santo Lenho (Holy Cross) contains magnificent carvings, an important collection of relics and the tomb of the cathedral’s founding bishop (18th century). Among the side chapels, those dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceiçà£o (Our Lady of the Conception) and Sà£o Domingos (St. Dominic) deserve a mention for their tile decoration and for the gothic structure that they retain; the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres (Our Lady of Pleasures) is a jewel of baroque art, with carvings; inlaid marble, tiles and paintings; while the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário (Our Lady of the Rosary) has a carved and gilded altarpiece, panels of figurative tiles from the end of the 17th century and two curious and extremely rare lamps depicting Negro figures (18th century).

Published October 1, 2009 | Last Updated June 19, 2013