One day on our Portugal trip to Monte Gordo we did a day trip to Tavira, another small town about half way between the airport in Faro and Monte Gordo, facing the Atlantic Ocean.
We decided to take the local bus, which we often do when we’re out traveling, because that is an excellent way to see the real life at the location. Very often you get to see people on their way to or from their work.
This time we were the only tourists at the bus stop at the church. I loved that there was one man in the bus, keeping a cage in his knee and inside the cage were a hen! I love those kind of surprises. I can’t remember the fee, but it was really cheap. The bus was rather full, because it was market day in Tavira.
Tavira was once under Moorish occupation, which traces still can been seen today in it’s whitewashed houses with their Moorish styled doors and the interesting seven arched bridge which could fool you to believe that it is Roman.
There are 37 churches in this little town and these are just a few photos from there. I really regret that we didn’t go into one to see how they were on the inside.
The town were destroyed by the major Lisbon earthquake in 1755 (magnitude 9 on the Richter scale). All the Algarve area was damaged by shockwaves, fires and tsunamis. Because it was the first earthquake that were studied scientifically for its effects and over such a large area, it’s believed that it led to the birth of today’s seismology.
Of course it has all been rebuilt very nice again with buildings from the 18th Century. A bridge links the two parts of the town across the River Gilão.
Both Mr Lifecruiser and I love to study architecture where ever we go. There are so many interesting and also beautiful buildings around the world. Such a variety. I particularly find the architecture in these small towns around both Portugal and Spain very interesting, with all the mosaic work.
We also did go up on the hill above Tavira, more by accident and found the wonderful Castelo de Tavira (the castle in Tavira), which probably is dated back to the 11th century. There was the remains of two square towers, one octagonal tower plus the walls on three sides. There is also a small garden. You can climb up on the walls and in the towers, which we did – or rather tried to.
See the stairs? It doesn’t look so dangerous does it? I didn’t thought so either at first and that’s why went up there. Only problem was that when you got up to the last steps it really was narrow and much higher than it looks. I suddenly did freeze totally because I’m afraid of heights…
At once I thought: how on earth am I going to be able to go down these narrow steps without any handrail to hold on to? It felt very dangerous. What about if I slipped? I was shivering of fear and couldn’t really enjoy the view from up there, all I was thinking about was how to get down!
I had big problems moving around up there, walking (more like staggering) on around up on the walls. I was, at one stage, thinking that I’ll never come down from here, they have to come and get me some other way…. I simply can’t go down that stairs! Silly me! *giggles*
Of course I realized that I couldn’t stay up there for ever, I just had to get down. So, Mr Lifecruiser, as the pure gentleman he is, went down one step in the time before me, ready to catch me if I stepped wrong.
I went down backwards, holding on to the step before – with my butt in the air! It must have been a hilarious sight! *giggles*
Well, I’ll remember Castelo de Tavira for ever, that’s for sure!
Lifecruiser Tavira photos in a slideshow.
[...] Lifecruiser trip to Tavira in Portugal [...]
A very nice trip! 37 churches in a little town you said!! I’m very impresse! the photos are beautiful! but i’m very curious now. What did you eat in Tavira ? Just love and fresh water? *giggles*
the architecture is very interesting. I love the white walls and the mosaic work! I’m always afraid with heights too! Mr Lifecruiser was perfect ! a gentleman, yes!
claudie’s last blog post..The Leaning tower of Pisa
How fun and a great history lesson you gave here. Interesting about the earthquake. I live in earthquake country. Scary stuff and I can’t imagine a 9 earthquake.
I’m sorry, but I had to chuckle over your going up those stairs. I’m surprised you went up in the first place. I don’t like heights either.
Very enjoyable read. Have a great day Captain.
Comedy Plus’s last blog post..2007 Darwin Awards
Oh dear,
Tavira , gosh . we have been there only once. Then we took the FERRY, to the island where it is an optional beach.
btw. It made my day double when talking live with mr Lifecruiser on the phone.
May you have a wonderful journey. I say no more, but
hugs and hugs and hugs
TorAa’s last blog post..Wordless Wednesday – February 19 – 2007
As I was reading about your dilemma on the stairs, I had to chuckle a bit – not that I was laughing at y ou but rather thinking if it had been me there, I think I would have descended them in the same manner -either that or I would have sat down and bumped my butt down, one stair at a time. I too am terrified of height.
Jeni Hill Ertmer’s last blog post..Wheels, Deals and Steals
Love it, love it!! we ate dinner outside, right next to the river, lovely evening, great food, tasty wine… we also took the ferry , but again: we missed TorAa. And YOU!!
Well, we were there in June 05…
Mar’s last blog post..lunar fascination
You have storm ? I don’t like it, here it is cloudy and a little windy but quite warm 11°. My son just blew through the house like a draft to pick up bedsheets, he came by train from Amsterdam and now went with his friend to France by car for winter sports ! they rented a little appartment.
We have 6° and very windy and they promise storm, we’ll see if it gets to that. Southern Sweden often gets most of it and when it reaches us it has calm down. Though my webhost is in the south!
France doesn’t sound too bad in my ears, even though I can be without the sports…
Thanks for the fantasic trip, Captain!
I enjoyed your tour LOTS – and that stairs would have been a problem for me, too.
♥
Sanni’s last blog post..Happy Birthday – Maligayang Bati
A great trip – thanks for sharing – loved the slide show – such lovely photos – I want to go there!
Hello from two happy couples in ???? – check the flag
RennyBA’s last blog post..RennyBA living with a Metamorphoses
OPPpppppps; I thought I was in Sweden
RennyBA’s last blog post..RennyBA living with a Metamorphoses
The photos are pretty nice and it looks like the Portugal trip was quite fun with the awesome surroundings and people around must of been great. The churches look great and sitting by the water looks wonderful, hope I can visit it some day. The design of all the buildings, houses and surroundings is very unique but I like it. The white walls are a work of art and look very nice especially reflecting into the water. A great post with awesome images and story, thanks once again!
Daniels last blog post..Madrid to
I have yet to visit Portugal but I’m starting to think that I need to book a trip sooner rather than later from the look of this post.
Great post ! I want to know when you update your blog, where can i subscribe to your blog?
