Tavira Castle is one of the historic town’s most prominent landmarks. Known locally as Castelo de Tavira, the castle is a remnant of Tavira’s dramatic past. Go on a trip through time when you explore the ruined fortress and climb to the top of its battlements. The views from the old castle tower encompass the town’s historic streetscape and the surrounding nature reserves.
A castle has stood on this site since the days of the Phoenicians, but it is believed the fort you see today dates back to the 12th century. At this time, Tavira was part of the Moorish empire of Al-Andalus and fortified for sea attack. After the Portuguese reconquest in the 13th century, the castle was given to the Order of the Knights of Santiago. Notice the castle’s crenellated stone walls, which were reinforced by King Denis in the 1290s to protect the town from attacks from marauding pirates.
Make your way into the old fort complex and explore the pretty gardens within. If you are visiting on the night of St. John (June 23), you might encounter one of the castle’s ghostly residents. According to local folk tales, the daughter of the Moorish governor Aben-Fabila magically disappeared during the reconquest and returns to haunt the castle on this midsummer evening.
Climb up the battlements on the eastern side of the fort and walk along the ramparts. There are two square towers and a crumbling octagonal turret remaining from the original fortress. From one of the square towers, you can enjoy expansive views across the old town of Tavira, as well as the snaking Gilão River and the nature reserves that front the Atlantic Ocean.
Tavira Castle is located in the heart of historic Tavira, near the Praça de República square. Its main gate is located by Largo Abu Otmana, which is the square in front of the Igreja de Santa Maria de Castelo. The castle is open daily until the afternoon. Admission is free.
