Silves

Silves is a Portuguese city and municipality located inland in the Western Algarve. The location occupies a prominent hill on the margin of the Arade River, overlooking a broad valley famed for its citrus groves. Historically, Silves was perhaps the most crucial city in the region, serving as the Moorish capital (Xelb), a status that underscores its immense cultural importance. The city is visually dominated by its well-preserved, red sandstone medieval castle and the Gothic Cathedral (Sé). Today, Silves functions as a regional administrative center and a major heritage destination, with its economy closely related to tourism and high-quality citrus production.