TAVIRA

The municipality of Tavira is located in southern Portugal, in the Algarve, more specifically in the Eastern Algarve.
Throughout its history, Tavira was occupied by several civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans and Phoenicians, who arrived by sea. Many traces of the Islamic occupation remain, and it is believed that the Great Mosque once stood where the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo stands today. In June 1242, Tavira was conquered from the Moors by the troops of Dom Paio Peres Correia, who is now buried in the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo.
During the 13th century, Tavira was also home to the Knights Templar. The seven martyr knights of the Order of Santiago, whose tombs are located in the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, gave rise to many of the city's legends.
Over the centuries, Tavira became an important commercial centre, welcoming ships from many countries that came to trade salt, dried fish, carob, wine, fruit and other agricultural products.
During the Age of Discovery, in 1425, the caravels of King João I, returning from the conquest of Ceuta, anchored in Tavira.
In 1520, King Manuel I granted Tavira city status, as it had become the Algarve's main commercial port and largest urban centre.
Over time, however, its port activity gradually declined, and the local economy became focused mainly on fishing, agriculture and salt production.

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