Set in the historical centre overlooking the beach, the ceramic artwork by Ricardo Inácio showcases the city’s most significant events.
Albufeira features two new ceramic panels designed to share the city’s history in a fun and colourful way. Set on the exterior facade of the Frutuoso da Silva garden in the historical centre, the ceramic artwork showcases significant events of Albufeira’s history.
Anyone who passes through the area can enjoy the panels, appreciating their artistic beauty while learning about local history.
The artwork is divided into two large panels painted by Ricardo Inácio, a Portuguese artist recognised for his tile paintings and various works displayed around the world.
The first panel depicts the journey through the Iberian Peninsula of the first people to pass through the region, such as the Phoenicians, followed by the Romans and Arabs, who profoundly impacted the local culture.
Then, the Catholic kings took control of the territory and established the nation, initiating a new era focused on the Crusades and the Discoveries.
One of the events that significantly impacted the then-town of Albufeira was the 1755 earthquake, clearly represented in the panels with the depiction of the destruction of the entire Algarve coastline.
The piece also shows tourists migrating from the Barrocal, the Algarve’s interior region, to the coastal areas using traditional Algarve carts.
The artwork also highlights life at sea and the fishing industry, depicting seafarers and traditional wooden boats.
With the construction of Faro Airport, famous artists such as Tom Jones and Cliff Richard, among others, visited the region and helped spread the town’s name around the world.
The second panel highlights the importance of tourism. The influx of visitors from different regions led to a surge in the development of hotels, pubs, and dining establishments, revitalising the town and turning it into a well-known global holiday destination.
The artistic intervention included the addition of blue vases on the wall and replacing an existing door with an Arabic-style one, all intended to enhance the space’s beauty and emphasise the Arab influence in Albufeira.
At the same time, and with the same objective, a small square next to the Municipal Archaeology Museum and another next to the Main Church of Albufeira in the Castle area were redeveloped with Arabic-style fountains and vases.
Ricardo Clemente, the council member in charge of External Spaces, Requalification and Municipal Heritage in Albufeira, emphasises that these projects aim to enhance public areas by incorporating elements that reflect the municipality’s history and culture while also increasing their appeal.
