Rua da Barbaca, Silves

Street guide, Algarve News

Rua da Barbaca is one of the narrow streets climbing from the lower town of Silves up towards the castle. The name refers to the barbican, the outer defensive wall of the castle fortifications. The street passes through the old town, with whitewashed houses, small shops, and cafes lining the route. It provides pedestrian access to the castle entrance and passes the cathedral. The street has a steep gradient in places and is typical of the compact, hilly old towns of the Algarve interior. During the annual Medieval Festival in August, the streets around the castle, including Rua da Barbaca, are decorated and used for performances and market stalls.