Members of the Archaeological Association of the Algarve recently took a day trip to the town of São Brás de Alportel.
There, the group visited the Museu Etnografico do Trajo do Algarve, which has occupied one of the grandest buildings in the town since 1982, having previously been the home of the cork magnate Miguel Dias de Andreade. The director of the museum, Dr. Emanuel Sancho, guided the group.
The members also enjoyed a tour through the town to the lovely Igreja Matriz. En route Dr. Sancho explained the town’s interesting history and revealed that it is known by some as the ‘crossroads of the Algarve’, because it is where the ancient roads from Faro and Tavira met going north and west.
After lunch the group retraced the route of the Roman road that used to run from Faro to São Brás. Parts of the road have been reconstructed, but further on the original stones are still visible and are quite atmospheric.
The A.A.A. hold monthly meetings between September and May, has regular excursions both locally and abroad, and summer and winter lunches for members. Membership Secretary Claire Larson can be contacted on 289 992 322.
