Chimneys of the Algarve

Chimneys are one of the Algarves' symbols, providing clear evidence of the influence of the region’s five centuries of occupation by the Moors.

An architectural and ornamental legacy that is to be found in most of the towns and cities of southern Portugal and is clearly visible in the layout of their narrow streets, in the structure of the houses and in the minaret-like appearance of the chimneys that adorn the rooftops.

Mostly white the chimneys of the Algarve have a variety of shapes and decorations, ranging from simple grooves to more complicated and beautiful lacework patterns, or the miniature representation of clock towers or houses. Generally the chimneys were built for decorative purposes. The proof of this being the fact that country houses generally had two chimneys, in a region where the climatic conditions could barely justify this.