Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo, Tavira, Portugal
Posted by: 
greysman
N 37° 07.511 W 007° 39.120
29S E 619745 N 4109609
This church has been a National Monument since 1910.
Waymark Code: WM912K
Location: Faro, Portugal
Date Posted: 06/11/2010
Views: 11
It is believed that this church stands on the site of a former mosque which existed during the occupation of the Moors. Dating from the thirteenth century, it was built in Gothic style after Tavira was taken from the Moors but badly damaged by the earthquake of 1755. It was rebuilt at the end of the eighteenth century during the Bishopric of Dom Francisco Gomes do Avelar who entrusted the responsibility of the project to the Italian architect Francisco Fabri. The reconstructed church adopted neo-classical forms but maintained some traces of the former temple. The original doorway of the facade and the two side chapels of the high altar are from the gothic period. The church was solemnly declared sacred in May 1800. ( Taken from the plaque at the main west door ).
Some of the silverware is 16th century, the walls of the Capela do Senhor dos Passos, Chapel of Our Lord of Passos, are covered in 17th century tiles whilst the tiles in the Capela do Santíssimo, Chapel of the Blessed, are 18th century.
Also to be found in the church are seven tombstones of Christian knights and that of Dom Paio Peres Correia, Master of the Order of Sant'Iago, who were killed in the battle of Tavira between the Moors and Christians. King Palo Peres Correia had a decisive influence in the Christian reconquest of the Algarve and part of southern Spain. One problem, the Spanish monastery of Santa Maria de Tentudía also has the tomb of King Palo Peres Correia, so where is he really buried?
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/05/1800
Age of Church building determined by?: Other reliable source
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Catholic
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 11:00 AM
Street address of Church:
Calçada de Santa Maria
Tavira, , Portugal
8800
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
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