Faro's Episcopal Palace opens to the public

The Episcopal Palace of the Diocese of the Algarve, desribed by the diocese as one of the finest 'plain style'* religious buildings in the Algarve, will be open to the public from April 11th.

This decision was taken by the Bishop of Algarve, D. Manuel Quintas, after listening to his diocese, and will promote culture in the region.

"It made sense permanently to provide the Algarvian people and all those who visit us, with the enjoyment of the richness and beauty of our cultural and religious heritage," said a diocese spokesman.

After significant restoration works, overseen by a technical team from the Municipal Museum of Faro, the palace is ready for viewing.

The construction of the palace started during the bishopric of D. Afonso Castel-Branco (1581-1585), following the transfer of the bishopric of the Algarve from Silves to Faro in 1577.

After the earthquake of 1755, the building was rebuilt and enlarged under D. Lourenço de Santa Maria (1752-1783).

The interior features a set of 18th century tiles which starts in the reception hall, extends up the staircase and continues in the three rooms on the first floor.

The palace is described by the Council as: 'Religious, plain, rococo architecture. Longitudinal plan with two floors. Rectilinear main façade with balconette windows on the 1st floor with iron railings and tiled “scissor” roofs. The access doorway and window above it are in rococo style.

'This is one of the best examples of plain architecture. The interior boasts the largest and most significant examples of “Rocaille” tiles in the Algarve (atrium, stairs to the 1st floor and state rooms). The Library is lined with wooden shelves decorated with carvings and “chinoiserie”.'

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'Architectura chã'  - Plain style (1580–1640)
During the union of Portugal and Spain, the period between 1580 and 1640, a new style developed called "Arquitecture chã"  - plain architecture. Basically mannerist, this style also marked by a clear structure, a sturdy appearance with smooth, flat surfaces and a moderate arrangement of space, lacking excessive decorations. It is a radical break with the decorative Manueline style. This simplified style, caused by limited financial resources, expresses itself in the construction of hall churches and less impressive buildings. In resistance to the Baroque style that was already the standard in Spain, the Portuguese continued to apply the plain style to express their separate identity as a people.

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