DK

TAVIRA

With its timeless atmosphere, traditional character and dignified charm, it is little wonder that many consider the elegant riverside town of Tavira to be the most pleasant and picturesque in the Algarve. Sited on both sides of the Rio Gilão, the town is perhaps best known for its abundance of churches – nearly 40 in all. Tavira’s prosperity today relies to a great degree on tourism, although not to the detriment of the town’s peaceful ambience.

TopTen

Tavira

NEED TO KNOW

prac_info Tourist information: Praça da República 5; (281) 322 511; open 10am–6pm daily

prac_info Casa Fotografia Andrade: Rua da Liberdade 36; (281) 322 102; open 10am–1pm & 3–7pm Mon–Fri, 10am–1pm Sat; adm

prac_info Igreja da Misericórdia: open 9am–noon & 2–5pm Mon, 9am–12:30pm & 2–5:30pm Tue–Sun; closed Oct–May: Sun; adm

prac_info Torre de Tavira – Camera Obscura: www.torredetavira.com

prac_info Núcleo Islâmico: Praça da República; (281) 320 568; open 9:15am–4:30pm Tue–Sat; adm

prac_info Palácio da Galeria: Calçada da Galeria; (281) 320 540; open 9:15am–4:30pm Tue–Sat; adm

Google Map

1. Castle Remains

Google Map

The surviving walls of this Moorish fort envelop a spruce garden. The view from the ramparts takes in the town’s pyramid-shaped rooftops and distant Ilha de Tavira.

2. Casa Fotografia Andrade

Google Map

This permanent exhibition, consisting of photographs taken by the Andrade family, chronicles life in Tavira from the 20th century onwards.

3. Igreja da Misericórdia

Google Map

Townsfolk are justifiably proud that this 16th-century church is considered to be the Algarve’s most important Renaissance monument.

TopTen

The 16th century church, Igreja da Misericórdia

4. Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

Google Map

The clock face of this church is a familiar landmark. Inside are the tombs of the Moors’ nemesis, Dom Paio Peres Correia, and seven of his knights.

TopTen

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo

5. Torre de Tavira – Camera Obscura

Google Map

Housed at the top of an old water tower, the camera obscura focuses a live 360-degree image of the city onto a huge screen.

6. Ponte Romana

Google Map

The foundations of the low, arched stone bridge spanning the Rio Gilão are Roman in origin. Illuminated at night, creating a romantic ethereal glow, the bridge is a favourite subject for artists.

TopTen

The romantic bridge, Ponte Romana

7. Ilha de Tavira

Google Map

A regular ferry service offers an easy escape to the marvellous sand-dune island, which is popular during the summer months for its excellent swimming. It lies within the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa.

8. Núcleo Islâmico

Google Map

Tavira’s Islamic heritage is featured at this museum. A video presentation outlines the history behind the artifacts, which date from the time when Tavira was ruled by the Moors. The 11th-century Tavira Vase is a highlight.

TopTen

A 11th-century Tavira Vase at the Islamic heritage museum, Núcleo Islâmico

9. Palácio da Galeria

Google Map

Works by Picasso and Paula Rego have been exhibited at this contemporary gallery, housed in a refurbished 16th-century palace. The palace is set on Moorish foundations, vestiges of which are displayed under a glass floor in the entrance hall.

10. Convento da Graça

Google Map

Now a luxury pousada (see Accommodation), this 16th-century building (see Pousada de Tavira – Convento da Graça) is characterized by a rich mix of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, with the cloister. The remains of a 12th-century Moorish street can also be seen from the bar.

TopTen

The Renaissance and Baroque mixed-style of Convento da Graça

LOCAL CUISINE

Tavira’s seafood specialities include açorda marisco, a concoction of cockles, prawns and clams sunk in a thick bread-based soup, and lulas recheadas, which is tender squid filled with cured meats and rice, braised in an onion and tomato sauce. Santa Luzia, a village southwest of Tavira, is said to be the Algarve’s octopus capital. Order the octopus rice stew (arroz de polvo).

..................Content has been hidden....................

You can't read the all page of ebook, please click here login for view all page.
Reset
44.200.179.138