Category: Religious Architecture > Church
District: Faro > Tavira > Tavira > Vila-A-Dentro
Located in the old area of Tavira, known as Vila-A-Dentro, the Mother Church of Santiago stands in a position that evokes the city's deepest history. Its location allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of an urban core with centuries of existence, in an environment that reflects the original layout and evolution of the locality.
The roots of the Church of Santiago date back to the 13th century, a period that marks its foundation. Devotion to Saint James the Great, the patron saint, has been present since its inception, and the church had a historical connection to the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword. It is also a point of special significance for pilgrims, traditionally considered the starting point of the eastern route of the Portuguese Way of Saint James.
Over the centuries, the temple underwent profound transformations. The great earthquake of 1755 caused severe damage, leading to a reconstruction that substantially shaped its current appearance. This 18th-century intervention gave it a new physiognomy, still visible today in its forms and structures.
The church, in its post-earthquake configuration, exhibits architecture marked by notable sobriety. Its interior reveals a single nave, flanked by various chapels, which contribute to its spatial composition.
On the exterior, the main facade stands out for an 18th-century medallion, which depicts the patron saint Saint James as a warrior. This image is a tribute to the legend of his miraculous appearance in battles during the Christian Reconquista, a symbolic element that enriches the building's narrative.
The interior environment of the Church of Santiago invites a close look at its valuable artistic heritage. One can appreciate carved altarpieces, some of which date from the 18th and 19th centuries, adorning the chapels and the main altar with their meticulous ornamentation.
In addition to the carvings, the space houses a collection of paintings and religious imagery from different periods, including some works that were carefully brought from other temples in the region. This collection offers a perspective on the cultural and devotional richness accumulated throughout the church's history.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 37.1248493,-7.6520464
Coordinates DMS: 37°07'29.5"N 07°39'7.4"W
Weather Tavira
On-duty Pharmacy Tavira
