Portugal and Spain

 

Praça da República (Republic Square) is the historic heartland of the town and served as the town's marketplace for centuries. It is next to the banks of the Gilão River and is linked to the northern side of the city via the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge).
 

Originally erected to commemorate those from Tavira that died in the Great War (WWI), the memorial is also commemorating all who died in the service of their country in the fifty years of war between 1918 and 1968.
 

 

 

In medieval times the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge) formed part of an important transport route offering one of the few crossing points of the Gilão river. As such, it was fortified with towers at each end and it is even said to have had a wooden floor which could be removed as a defensive measure.
 

 

 

 

Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo (Church of Saint Mary of the Castle) was built in the 13th century after the city of Tavira was reclaimed from Moors. The church was built as an initiative of the Order of Santiago to replace the Arab mosque that existed here. The mosque is believed to have served the Medina (fortified city) of Tavira.