The muncipality of Tavira, a port town occupied since being founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th Century BC., also encompasses the village of Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo.

History

In the 8th century BC Tavira became one of the first Phoenician settlements in the Iberian West. Its original name was Baal Saphon, named after the Phoenician Thunder and Sea god.

During the time of Caesar, the Romans created a new port, some 7 kilometres (4 miles) from Tavira, named Balsa. Balsa became a big town, in fact much bigger than Tavira, that grew, prospered and decayed in parallel with the Roman Empire.

The Tavira Castle, two mosques and palaces were built by the Moors. In 1415 the conquest of North Africa, and the capture of Ceuta, was launched from Tavira under the guidance of Henry the Navigator.

Nowadays, Tavira is the Portuguese representative community for the inscription of the Mediterranean Diet as a part of the Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.

Links

Wikipedia page
Tavira History