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Areas of interest in and around Messines
- Barragem do Funcho - Funcho dam
The dam is well worth a visit - so peaceful and lovely views. Follow the N124 westwards from Messines for just under 2km and turn right towards Amorosa, Vale Fuzeiros and Barragem do Funcho. Follow the road until a turning on the right signposted to the dam. This road then gently winds up around the hillsides for 7km to give spectacular views of the dam itself and the reservoir.
- Fábrica do Inglês
Visit 'Fábrica do Inglês' in Silves- a 19th century cork factory, now converted to house a variety of restaurants, street entertainment and spectacular displays using the fountains and laser lights
Churches in and around Messines
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Igreja Matriz
Originating from 16th century, with a style somewhere between Manueline and Renaissance, to which was added a baroque façade during the 18th century. The front of the church really is rather impressive with the contrast of white walls and red sandstone around the doorway and the tower stands tall amongst the other buildings.
- Church near Messines
In the little village above the N124 which leads into Messines, near to the villages of Zimbreira and Monte Seco. It can be seen from the N124.
- Sé de Silves and 'Igreja da Misericórdia' in Silves
Sé de Silves (Cathedral of Silves) is next door to the castle and opposite is the 'Igreja da Misericórdia' (Church of Mercy). The cathedral is a mix of Gothic and Baroque styles. Construction was started during the 13th century, but it suffered damage in an earthquake in the 14th century and was undergoing major works for some time afterwards.
Galleries and Museums in the Messines area
- 'João de Deus' Museum
The museum 'João de Deus' is next to the church in Messines. Messines is the birthplace of the 19th century poet, João de Deus, whose book "Cartilha Maternal" was widely used to teach reading and writing during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and the museum is dedicated to his work. Just inside the entrance are a selection of tourist information leaflets about Messines and the municipality of Silves and on the second floor some of the works of the poet are displayed.
- Museu da Cortiça (Cork museum):
Rua Gregório Mascarenhas, Silves.
Opening hours: 09.30h to 12.45h and 14.00h to 18.15h (during the summer it closes at 21.45h). Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Silves Municipal Museum.
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 9.00 to 17.30, closed Sundays and holidays. Entrance fee 1.50€ (October 2007); free entrance for children under 14, students, teachers and Portuguese pensioners, but must be supported by documents.
Historical remains in the Messines area
- Silves castle - the largest and best preserved in the Algarve. There is parking near the castle, but it can get congested so it may be easier to park at the bottom of the road- it is only a short walk from the roundabout near the 'Cross of Portugal'. Entrance is just 1,25€ (October 2007) and you can walk all the way around the walls, getting spectacular views of the town and countryside. There is currently work going on within the castle walls to provide gardens and other amenities. The castle is open from 9am to 5.30pm, the last entrance time is 5pm.
- 'Cruz de Portugal' (the Cross of Portugal) in Silves is an impressive sight, standing at 3m tall and made out of limestone. It is located just to the right of the roundabout that leads to the castle, at the eastern end of the river front and originally this was the location of the old road that used to constitute the link with the north and with the kingdom of Portugal (where the name perhaps comes from). Although the exact date of construction is not known, it is believed to be 15th century or beginning of the 16th century. Recognised as one of the most beautiful crosses in Portugal, Cruz de Portugal has a representation of the crucifixion on one side, and on the other the Mater Dolorosa. The base dates from 1824.
- Torreão da Porta da Cidade (the Turret of the City Gate), also in Silves, is the only one of four gates to the "almedina" to remain today.
The almedina was a residential area within the defensive ramparts, and consists of a barbican, built in the 12th or 13th century, which gives access, by way of two corridors, to the city. Inside the tower are two rooms and annexes which were for centuries the home of the Municipal Council and which, since 1983, have housed the Municipal Library. The tower is entered by way of an external stairway built at a later date and two high walkways which are original.
Leisure activities in the Messines area
- Zoomarine at Guia: It's open all year round and is a great day out for the family with dolphin and sealion shows, birds of prey demonstrations and tropical birds show. It's both educational and fun. There are places to eat and drink, and also some fun rides like the pirate ship and water flume and pools to cool off in!
Opening hours are 10.00h to 17.00h in the winter (closed Mondays in January and February); 10.00h to 18.00h mid March to end of June and 10.00h to 19.30h during the summer.
- Parque Zoológico de Lagos (Zoo Lagos) - a beautiful zoo, just on the outskirts of Lagos. It is a fantastic day out for all ages, with lots of lovely animals.
Open all year round, 7 days a week.
Winter (from the 1st of October to the 31st of March) 10.00am – 5.00pm
Summer (from the 1st April to the 30th September) 10.00am – 7.00pm
Quinta Figueiras – Sítio do Medronhal
Barão de S.João
8600-013
Tel: 282 680 100
- Krazy World at Algoz: A family day out with plenty to do. It's a small zoo and also has krazy golf, a playground area, animal petting farm, pony rides for the younger ones and a pool to relax by. There are bars and a restaraunt as well.
Opening hours are 10.00h to 19.30h during July and August, open daily. The rest of the year: 10.00h to 18.00h (closed Mondays and Tuesdays).
- Slide and Splash water park near Lagoa - operates from the beginning of April to the end of October. It opens daily at 10am and closes between 5pm and 6pm depending on the time of year.
- Aqualand (The Big One): Water park near Alcantarilha. Open from 26th May to 12th September (2008) 10.00h to 18.00h.
- Golf: 'Silves', 'Salgados' and 'Vale de Milho' are the nearest courses
- Bird watching: The area is home to a wide range of birds including sparrow hawks, falcons, eagles, woodpeckers, nightingales and many more.
- Municipal swimming pool in Silves:
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday - 9am to 9pm
Saturday - 9am to 7pm. Closed Sunday and holidays
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