Explore ceramic and underground exhibitions, discover the Algarve’s newly designated UNESCO Global Geopark and enjoy film nights at the winery
Traces of Memory
Algarve-based artist Catarina Gonçalves presents a ceramic exhibition exploring the intersection of natural erosion, intuitive form, and the quiet rituals of stoneware at Palácio Gama Lobo, in Loulé. Fragmentos de Memória (Traces of Memory) centres her new Erosion series, inspired by the slow, transformative power of time.
Rejecting repetition, her sculptural and functional stoneware pieces embrace the “unrepeatable detail”, each shaped by intuitive processes and quiet craftsmanship.
Defined by earthy tones and organic textures, the works reflect a balance between vulnerability and strength, where clay becomes a vessel for memory and change.
The exhibition runs until July 4, open weekdays from 9am to 6pm.
Underground elements
Deep beneath Loulé, the Mina de Sal-gema is hosting Os 5 Elementos (The Five Elements), an immersive exhibition by UK-born, Algarve-based artist Fiona Issler.
5 elementos©Bruno Pires/Open Media
Set 230m underground, the show brings together clay sculptures and mixed-media works inspired by Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Ether. Installed within ancient rock salt formed millions of years ago, the pieces create a sensory dialogue between art and geology.
Highlights include Ether, an installation of suspended crystals, and a powerful interpretation of Fire as transformation. Open until October 20, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on nature, memory and human impact.
Algarve geopark formally recognised by UNESCO
The Algarvensis Geopark has been designated a UNESCO Global Geopark, following several years as an aspiring site, the council of Silves has announced.
Spearheaded by the municipalities of Loulé, Silves and Albufeira, the initiative recognises a 2,427km² territory that records over 300 million years of Earth’s history, including the formation of Pangaea, the opening of the Atlantic Ocean and periods of mass extinction.
Awarded by UNESCO, the designation brings Portugal’s total to seven geoparks and places the area within its framework for conservation, education and sustainable development, marking a new phase for the region.
Moonlight cinema and wine at Morgado do Quintão
Morgado do Quintão winery in Lagoa is bringing back a curated series of open-air film nights in the vineyard, in partnership with All Stars Cinema.
Exploring love and human connection, the programme features movies such as Call Me by Your Name from director Luca Guadagnino (June 25); Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, regarded as one of the greatest films of the 21st century (July 16); Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs (August 20); Frida starring Salma Hayek (September 24); and the Tim Burton classic, Edward Scissorhands (October 15).
Blankets will be provided. Morgado do Quintão wines, popcorn and other snacks will be available for purchase.
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