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Castle of Tavira

The Castle of Tavira is located at Largo Abu-Otmane (Abu Osman Square), this castle is on the south western side of Tavira. This castle lies in the town’s historic centre and it is well signposted. The castle is small in size but good views of the city and free entry is worth the time spent there.

In the past, Tavira was of great importance then because of its fishing and fish salting industry. 

The Castle of Tavira is located at Largo Abu-Otmane (Abu Osman Square)
Walls and watch towers of the castle
Entrance of the Tavira Castle is beside a damaged watch tower
One of the intact watchtowers of the castle
A father stands with his daughter beside a broken wall of the castle
Many sections of the castle walls are broken and there are no hand rails for protection
A staircase leads to the battlement of the castle
External walls of the castle
Battlements of the castle
Tower of Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo seen over the castle ramparts

History

A Muslim castle stood here on the site and it was conquered on July 11 of 1239 by King D. Paio Peres Correia. In 1242, the castle was granted, by D. King Sancho II, to the Order of the Knights of Santiago. The castle was expanded and strength by King Dinis in 1294. Today the castle comprises of four solid stone walls with accessible battlements running along the eastern side of the castle.

 A 13th century church alongwith the castle occupies the highest grounds in the city.

 

A tourist is looking down from the watchtower
The Lisbon Earthquake of 1755 caused a massive damage to this structure
There is no central keep but just the watch towers in the walls of the castle
Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo is located next to the castle in Largo Abu Otmane
A stunning view of Igreja de Santa Maria
Tower of the church with the water tower (Camera Obscura) seen in the background
This is the second tower of the Tavira Castle
External walls and broken towers of the castle
I am not sure about this structure, is it a water wheel or something else
Musicians playing under a tree in the garden of the castle

 

In the Earthquake of 1755, this castle suffered a huge loss and most of the structure fell to the ground. There is no central keep but just the watch towers in the walls of the castle. Tavira Castle now consists of remains of two square towers, one octagonal tower and walls on three sides. Inside the castle walls there are well maintained gardens but very little descriptive information.

A small garden occupies the central courtyard of the castle
Flowering trees in the courtyard
Though trees are small in size but it offers shade and tranquility to this place
Pomegranate trees inside the garden of the castle
It was a hot day in Tavira, and shady garden of the castle was very handy
Town seen from the Tavira Castle
This castle offers great views of the town of Tavira and the mouth of the Gilao River
One of the best views of Tavira town