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Tavira Castle

Its battlements offer the best view of the city, with the river and salt pans in the background

The origins of Tavira castle date back to at least the Islamic period (11th century) and it is strategically located on the top of what is now the Santa Maria hill. It consists of a small, fortified enclosure with towers, overlooking most of the town, the river, the ria (coastal lagoon system) and the sea. As well as being the residence of the town’s governor, the castle was the centre of the line of walls that surrounded medieval Tavira and formed the last stronghold of resistance in the event of an enemy attack. From the 15th century onwards, the castle lost its defensive importance due to the development of artillery and the growth of the settlement outside the walls, but remained a symbol of sovereignty. 
Freguesia: Tavira

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