Faro: one of Algarve’s richest cities for Modernist Architecture
From the 1950s onwards, architect Manuel Gomes da Costa left a remarkable mark on the city. His buildings combine Portuguese Modernism with a distinctly Algarvean character — geometric forms, brise-soleils, cobogós, tiled façades and carefully designed details.
Ilha / Praia de Faro offers a different perspective on Algarve Modernism.
Away from the historic centre, the island developed as a seaside destination, with new forms of housing, holiday architecture and mid-century design — closely connected to the landscape of the Ria Formosa and the Atlantic.
Two faces of Faro — one city, many stories.
ARCHITECTURE FARO
Self Guided Digital Tour: Pires & Brito
60–90 minute self-guided architecture walk
📍 Faro, Algarve
📱 STQRY App
EN • PT • FR • DE • NL
Discover Faro
Pires & Brito Modernism
You will discover:
→ Pires & Brito building
→ Modernist architecture
→ Manuel Gomes da Costa
→ Post-war architecture
→ Modernist details & façades
→ Faro’s changing cityscape
Scan the QR code belowto download the STQRY App
Architecture Guide:
'The Architecture of Manuel Gomes da Costa & More'
This guide presents 34 projects from the work of architect Manuel Gomes da Costa, all marked on a walking map at the back of the book. Additional projects in and around Faro are also shown on a map with photographs.
The book explores Gomes da Costa’s sources of inspiration, his architectural language and the characteristics that make his buildings recognisable. It also introduces fellow architects António Vicente de Castro and Manuel Laginha, who helped bring Modernist architecture to the Algarve.
The book places his work in the context of post-war Faro and discusses three special projects outside the city, as well as the work of young architect Filipe Paixão.
34 projects · Walking map · Additional projects with photographs
€17.50
Available in Faro at Gallery Gama Rama Rua do Prior 46, 8000-301 Faro
Available in Olhão at Bookshop Clinar & Avenida da República 112, Olhão
E-book · €7
DOWNLOAD THE E-BOOK HERE
The Algarve has a modernist secret.
For the first time, The Modernist Weekend goes beyond Faro - to Tavira and Olhão.
Three cities. Three days. One architectural story waiting to be told.
In Faro, entire neighbourhoods were shaped by a single visionary architect.
In Tavira area, the same architect's very first project, a grain silo designed as a graduation thesis, has become Portugal's most ambitious digital art museum.
In Olhão, a vernacular cubist city shaped by generations of fishermen, talented modernist architects later added their own language, creating an extraordinary dialogue between two traditions.
The Modernist Weekend 2026 follows this story across the Algarve through guided tours, private open houses, an artist's book signing, a tile workshop, and doors that are rarely open.
6 · 7 · 8 November 2026 · Faro · Tavira · Olhão
Program & tickets coming soon — Sign up below to be notified first
About The Modernist Weekend
The Modernist Weekend is an independent event organised by The Modernist Faro, rooted in a commitment to architectural knowledge and heritage conservation.
All proceeds go directly towards the event and raising awareness of the Algarve's modernist heritage.
The Modernist Faro — themodernist.pt
PROGRAM AND TICKETS
released soon at www.themodernistweekend.com
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Map Architectural Tour
Faro
On this Map you find the locations and information about some interesting Modernist Architecture in Faro from the MOMA program. Enjoy the Tour (Eng).
Click here to get the map of the Tour
MODERNIST FARO
Self Guides Digital Tour: 'Modernist Architecture'
60–90 minute self-guided architecture walk
📍 Faro, Algarve
📱 STQRY App
EN • PT • FR • DE • NL
Discover Faro’s Modernism
You will discover:
→ Modernist houses
→ Architecture by Manuel Gomes da Costa
→ Post-war architecture
→ Brise-soleils & cobogós
→ Geometric façades & details
→ Faro’s modernist cityscape
Scan the QR code below to download the free STQRY App
Praia/Ilha de Faro
Self Guided Digital Tour: Ilha / Praia de Faro
60–90 minute self-guided walk
📍 Ilha de Faro, Algarve
📱 STQRY App
EN • PT • FR • DE • NL
Discover Praia de Faro
You will discover:
→ Traditional island houses
→ Mid-century architecture
→ Beach villas & holiday homes
→ Modernist influences
→ Architecture by the Ria Formosa
→ The changing face of Praia de Faro
Scan the QR code below to download the free STQRY App