The Algarve in the Liberal Wars

1833

During the Portuguese Liberal Wars (1828-1834), the Algarve was drawn into the conflict between the absolutist King Miguel I and the liberal forces supporting his brother Pedro IV. In June 1833, a liberal expeditionary force commanded by the Duke of Terceira landed near Cacela in the eastern Algarve and marched westward, capturing Faro and rallying support as they went. The Algarve was among the first regions to fall to the liberal cause, and the campaign here formed part of the broader strategy that eventually led to Miguel's defeat and the establishment of constitutional monarchy. The wars disrupted the region's economy and divided communities, though the Algarve did not see the worst of the fighting. The liberal victory brought significant administrative reforms, including the dissolution of the religious orders and the redistribution of monastic properties, which affected several Algarve convents and monasteries.