The building was originally founded in 1518 as a nunnery for the Order of Santa Clara.
It contains a 3rd-century Roman mosaic depicting the god Oceanus, discovered in the town center in 1976.
The museum houses a rare 17th-century painting of the Virgin Mary attributed to the school of Josefa de Óbidos.
The cloister architecture displays transitionary elements from Gothic to Manueline and Renaissance styles.
Part of the museum's foundation sits directly on 11th-century Almohad defensive wall structures.
The museum collection includes a collection of rare Islamic pottery shards found during the restoration of the Vila Adentro area.
The Municipal Museum of Faro is housed within the 16th-century Convent of Our Lady of the Assumption, a significant example of Renaissance architecture in the Algarve. Its collection spans from the Roman era to the 20th century, documenting the city's historical evolution under Roman, Visigoth, and Moorish rule. The museum is located within the historic walled district of Vila Adentro. A central feature of the building is the Renaissance-style cloister, which serves as a venue for displaying archaeological artifacts. The permanent exhibition features the 'Mosaic of the Ocean,' a 3rd-century Roman floor mosaic discovered in Faro. Visitors can view a collection of ecclesiastical art and artifacts recovered from the site's original convent function. The museum facility incorporates remnants of the city's old defensive walls. It operates as the primary archaeological repository for the Faro municipality.
The second-floor gallery overlooking the Renaissance cloister columns.
Walk the perimeter of the museum walls to see the transition between the medieval fortification and the Renaissance convent architecture.
Visit the upstairs galleries first to ensure you have enough time to appreciate the detailed Roman mosaics before closing.
The interior courtyard is consistently cooler than the city streets, making it an ideal mid-day escape.
Do not mistake the museum for the Archaeological Museum of the Algarve in Silves; check the street address before heading to the walled city.
Closed on Mondays and most public holidays.
Dress modestly as the site historically functioned as a convent; avoid loud conversation in the cloister.
