Tavira's Castle, Portugal

No one knows for sure who first built a castle in Tavira, but in 1292 king D. Dinis, acknowledging the strategic importance of Tavira in controlling piracy, ordered for the castle to be repaired and reinforced.
Archaeological diggings show evidence of a Phoenician wall built in the 8th century BC. During the Roman period, Tavira became a passing point between Balsa and Baesuris (Castro Marim) when a bridge was built across the river, increasing its strategic importance. There's no evidence of a Roman fortress but, given its strategic importance, it is likely that there was some military defence. 
The first reference to fortifications dates back to the 12th century when the Almohads were fighting the Almoravids (two Muslim factions). The castle was conquered by the Christian side in 1242. In the same year king D. Sancho II donated the lands to the Order of Santiago. The castle was badly damaged by the Great Earthquake of 1755.

Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (7 p.m. in Summer)
Entrance free
How to go: You can take bus n. 67 from Faro to get to Tavira.







Local: 8800 Tavira, Portugal

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