Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Faro > Tavira > Tavira > Vila-A-Dentro
Palácio da Galeria is situated in an elevated position in the historic area of Tavira, known as Vila-a-Dentro. It is located on Calçada da Galeria, on a slope facing the riverside area and the old town center. This prominent location makes it a landmark in Tavira's urban landscape.
The site where Palácio da Galeria stands has a history that dates back to very ancient times. At the top of Santa Maria, where it is located, there was a Phoenician settlement. Excavations in the palace courtyard revealed traces of this presence, including wells dug into the rock, interpreted as ritual wells dating from the 7th-6th centuries BC, associated with Phoenician religious practices. The building itself has origins in the 16th century or even earlier.
The structure of Palácio da Galeria is a testament to the different eras it has witnessed. It presents an interesting combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural elements. The Baroque characteristics largely stem from an 18th-century reconstruction. The main facade, facing the old part of the city, displays Baroque stonework on the ground floor portal and the windows of the noble floor. Inside, the courtyard stands out with a gallery of Renaissance arcades, considered a remarkable example, and the wooden ceiling linings, with decorative painting.
Today, Palácio da Galeria functions as the main core of the Municipal Museum of Tavira. Since its reopening in 2001, after rehabilitation works, it has hosted exhibitions that explore the rich history and diversity of local heritage. It is also a space dedicated to presenting new contemporary artistic expressions, offering a broad cultural perspective to its visitors.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.126021,-7.651361
Coordinates DMS: 37°07'33.7"N 07°39'4.9"W
Weather Tavira
On-duty Pharmacy Tavira
