Faro is the capital city of the Algarve region and is also the administrative centre. Faro was occupied by the Moors, the Romans and the Arabs. There are many Roman ruins to see especially inside the older part of the city which is still surrounded by a roman wall. Past these walls is an architectural heaven, starting from the 13th Century Cathedral and the 18th Century palace. Also very interesting is the architecture of the Archaeological museum, which was once a convent. Faro is the home to the Natural da Ria Formosa natural reserve and the beautiful Ria Formosa Lagoon.