Arco do Repouso, Faro, Guia do visitante e o que fazer por perto

The Arco do Repouso, or Arch of Rest, is a medieval gateway in the old town walls of Faro, in Portugal's Algarve. It is one of the oldest entrances to the walled quarter known as Vila-Adentro, and its name recalls the Christian conquest of the city in the 13th century.

The story behind it

The gate goes back to the Islamic period, to the Almohad dynasty in about the 12th century. It was one of the openings in the walls that protected medieval Faro, which at that time was a small fortified town beside the lagoon. It was later strengthened as the threat of Christian conquest grew.

The name comes from a local tradition. When King Afonso III took Faro in the 13th century, his forces are said to have rested at this gate after the fighting, which is how it became the Arch of Rest. Faro was the last major Algarve town to fall, so the tale is part of the story of Portugal reaching its southern coast.

What to look for

• Look at the opening itself and the thick wall around it, which show how a medieval gate was built to be defended.
• Read the street sign for Rua do Repouso, a reminder that the old name has stayed on the map for centuries.
• Notice how the lane narrows as you pass through, a change that tells you when you have entered the walled quarter.
• Compare this modest gate with the grander Arco da Vila nearby, and you can see how the town's entrances changed over time.

Tips for your visit

• You pass through the arch on foot in the street, so it is easy to see and you do not need long. Ten minutes is enough, longer if you stop to take photographs.
• Go in the morning or late afternoon when the streets are calmer and the light is softer on the stone.
• Combine it with the rest of Vila-Adentro, including the cathedral and the municipal museum in the former convent, which are both a short walk away. Check current opening hours for any building you want to enter.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the old town is paved with cobbles and uneven in places.

See it on a quest

The quest Romantic Faro: Whisper of Love is a good way to see the Arco do Repouso. You reach it on foot as one stop of a longer route through the old town, the app tells you about each place as you arrive, and you solve a puzzle on the spot, so you look at the stones rather than just walk past them. It suits couples, but anyone who likes a slow stroll will enjoy it. You can start any time without a guide or a group, and one ticket covers the whole group.