Tavira
Beautiful empty beaches with sands that seem to go on forever. Fields of orange trees, heavy with the scent of blossom. Then the hills of fig and almond trees and houses with dazzling whitewashed walls and distinctive chimneys decorated to resemble fine tracery of lace. And, last of all, the great open spaces. This is just a hint of the charms of Tavira and its municipality, an invitation to come and find out more.
Tavira along with Lagos is one of the most architecturally attractive towns in the Algarve and its origin dates back to around 2.000 BC. During the occupation of the Algarve by the Moors this town was considered of great importance due to its fishing industry.
Like most of the Algarve its buildings were all virtually destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The town has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th Century fine buildings along with its 37 churches A Roman bridge links the two parts of the town across the River Gilão. Its original economic reliance on the fishing industry has now been surpassed due to the change in the migration patterns of the tuna fish. The population is in the region of 20,000 inhabitants supporting a military base whilst the surrounding area is still very rural and undeveloped. This is now changing due to the demands of the tourist industry and opening of golf courses in the near vicinity. Beaches Ilha da Tavira - There are regular ferry crossings to this island, whuch lies opposite the city and has long beaches and suoort facilities. Cabanas - Seperated by an arm of the Ria Formosa, Cabanas is quite and isolated. It can be reached by boat from Tavira. Conceição - Opposite the village of the same name. Reached by boat. Extensive beach. Very calm. Santa Luzia - A vast beach that offers hours of solitude, coupled with the pleasure of warm, clear waters. Barril - Barril is long enough to encompass both the cosmopolitan atmosphere and near complete isolation. Places of Interest Luz de Tavira --The houses in Lux de Tavira have the traditional "platibandas" borders painted with geometrical or floral motifs, that frame walls, windowsand doorways - many of which are masterpieces of mortar work. The influence of the Art Nouveau decorative style, popular at the beginning of the century is apparent in the ornate chimneys rising from the roofs. Main church - Built inthe 16th century much of the original structure has survived to the present day. The imposing Renaissance porch takes up large part of tha main facade. The roofs of the three naves are hidden by an original and highly decorative ensemble made up of one semi-circular and two triangular pediments. A statue of Nossa Senhora da Luz (our Lady of the Light) stands in a niche. There is a very ornate side porch in the Manueline style with columns carved in the shape of twisted ropes, a typically nautical motif. On the walls of the church there are four stone rosettes, interpreted as symbols of the sun, moon and stars. A short way away stands the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento (Our Lady of the Liberation) (18th century ) the exterior of which is plain and slightly bizarre. Its altar is in the baroque style. |
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