Tavira Castle (Castelo de Tavira), Tavira
The Castle of Tavira (Castelo de Tavira) in the old town of Tavira was originally a Moorish fortress. The castle is partially in ruins but affords great views over Tavira and as far as the coast to the south.
History
The area that is now the town of Tavira was settled by Phoenicians and later the Romans. After the invasion of the Iberian Peninsula by Muslims from North Africa, a fortress was built on the highest piece of ground in the area.
The castle was retaken by Dom Paio Peres Correia, the Grand-Master of the military Order of Santiago during the Reconquista in 1242.
The tomb of this knight, who also led the reconquest of Silves is within the nearby Church of Santa Maria, along with the tombs of seven Christian knights, next to the main altar, killed by the Moors in the 13th century during what was supposed to be a truce.
Its walls and towers were strengthened by King Dinis later in the century, as a defence against pirates.
Damaged during the 1755 earthquake, the castle gradually fell into semi-ruin. What remains are walls on three sides and three towers. Visitors can climb the battlements for superb views. The interior garden is also very pleasant.
Visitors to Tavira Castle can admire the fine garden contained below the walls and towers of the fortress.
Access & Hours
Castelo de Tavira
Largo Abu-Otmane
8800-312 Tavira
Hours: The castle is open daily from 10 am - 5 pm in winter and 10 am - 7 pm in summer. Admission is free.
Tavira Castle is located on a hill in the centre of old Tavira and is about 1 km from Tavira Station.
Nearby
The castle is close to the Igreja da Misericórdia and the Igreja de Santiago, both within the Old City. Also of interest are the Ruínas Fenícias de Tavira, archaeological remains from the Phoenician period of settlement in the Algarve and pieces from later periods of Portuguese history.
The Pousada Convento de Tavira has four stars and is a superb place to stay in this historic district.
Book Hotel Accommodation in Tavira
Hotels in Tavira Portugal - Booking.com
Pousada Convento de Tavira
AP Maria Nova Lounge
Ozadi Tavira Hotel