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| Charmingly situated on the banks of the River Séquia on the southeastern coast, Tavira is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in the Algarve. It is also one of the oldest, boasting a pedigree which stretches back to the ancient pre-Roman settlement of Balsa (the ruins lie nearby). |
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| Immediately surrounding Santa Maria do Castelo are the narrow labyrinthine ways of the medieval city. Haphazardly wandering hither and thither with their low, disorderly buildings, these quaint streets make an interesting walk for those who wish to take in a little something of the flavour of times gone by. A short distance from here and further down in the direction of the river, one comes across the famous church of the Misericórdia. Its fabulous main entrance calls one's attention immediately. |
| Said to be the best Renaissance portal in all the Algarve, this is one fortuitous survivor of the earthquake which, alone, makes a visit to Tavira well worth the while. Entirely carved in a two-coloured stone, gold and grey, the arched doorway is surrounded by an intricately decorative mould in which goblets and amphoras may be discerned amongst the petrified foliage of leaves and flowers. Medallions adorn the square Corinthian pillars and above, in the cornice, Sts Peter and Paul keep vigil for the Senhora da Misericórdia (Our Lady of Mercy) who stands in a niche framed in carved, stone drapery and attended by angels. |
| Inside, the style of the portico is continued in the intricately carved capitals of columns which separate the naves, however, without a doubt, it is the main altar which first draws the focus. This is an extravagant and superior work of 18th century craftsmanship. Raised above the level of the congregation, its altarpiece and carvings are not to be missed, with an impressive baldaquin (canopy projecting over the altar) suspended from the hands of two angels. The church is further bedecked with beautiful asulejos (traditional blue and white tile work) dating from the same period as the altar and depicting the "Fourteen Acts of Mercy". |
| Many others of the thirty-seven churches merit mention but, clearly, in the space of a short article it is not possible to do justice to them all. Nevertheless, running the risk of partiality, the following are mentioned very briefly: the Church of S. Antonio, next to the Spa of the same name (which is said to cure skin complaints and bone diseases) - here, one can see not only the ruins of the old monastery, but also the still surviving cloister, - inside the church itself are three life-size sculptural groups depicting episodes from the life of the Saint and which correspond to the frescoes covering the roof of the main chapel; the Church of S. Paulo, where one can view some very interesting and beautiful paintings by Rasquinho; the Church of S. Tiago, which exhibits notable Moorish styles and motifs: the Church of Carmo, strongly recommended, where one can delight in the extensive and admirable carvings that appear to all but fill the building. |
| Besides, churches, and a rich and fascinating history, Tavira is quite simply a beautiful place to visit. If you don't believe it - just take a stroll on the riverside broad-walk, under the palm trees, near the bandstand, in the late afternoon and observe the reflections of the opposite bank in the glassy water. |
| And don't forget, the Island of Tavira running parallel to the coast and easily accessible by short boat trip from the city, has one of the longest and best beaches in the Algarve. |
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Algarve Guide
