Phoenician Ruins of Tavira

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Faro > Tavira > Tavira > Vila-A-Dentro

Location

The Phoenician Ruins of Tavira are located in the historic area of Vila-A-Dentro, in the heart of the city. This site is conveniently situated in the vicinity of Tavira's old fortress, allowing visitors to understand the urban evolution over the centuries. Its central position facilitates walking access, naturally integrating into the discovery path of the city's oldest core.

A Window to the Past

This archaeological site reveals an extraordinary superposition of eras, testifying to Tavira's long and rich history. Excavations have brought to light vestiges of various civilizations that inhabited this region, from the Phoenicians to more recent Portuguese, spanning millennia of continuous occupation. The chronology of the findings extends from the 8th century BC to the 18th century AD, offering a continuous glimpse into the past.

The Secrets Uncovered

Among the most significant finds is part of a Phoenician wall, dated circa 800 BC, attesting to the presence of this ancient civilization at the site. Unique elements were also identified, such as an ox-hide shaped altar, from the 4th century BC, associated with the Turdetanian culture, a pre-Roman civilization of the Iberian Peninsula. The foundations of Moorish buildings, from the 12th century, reveal the Islamic influence that shaped the region for several centuries. Finally, the presence of a 17th-century Portuguese mansion completes the mosaic of constructions that make up this site, illustrating the continuity of life at this strategic point of the city.

A Legacy in the Making

The importance of this site is recognized through the plan to create an interpretation center, or even a museum space, specifically dedicated to the Phoenician and Turdetanian periods. This initiative aims to further enhance the findings and share knowledge with all who visit Tavira, perpetuating the memory of these ancient civilizations and consolidating this site as a pivotal point for understanding the city's historical identity.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt