Algarve; city of Faro: azulejos at Largo da S? place of the Cathedral of Faro (Portuguese: S?Catedral de Faro); The catholic cathedral; a National Monument of Portugal; was consecrated in the name of the Blessed Virgin Mary in late 13th century by the Archbishop of Braga. It has been the seat of the Diocese of Faro since 1540; replacing Silves Cathedral on the orders of King John III of Portugal. In 1577; it became the seat of the bishop of Faro; by order of Pope Gregory XIII. In 1596 the church was destroyed by the Earl of Essex.