Biblioteca Municipal de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal

Biblioteca Municipal de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal, a photo by Fragga on Flickr.

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Biblioteca Municipal de Tavira, Algarve, Portugal: Tavira's origins date back to the late Bronze Age (1.000-800 BC). In the 8th century BC it became one of the first Phoenician settlements in the Iberian West. The Phoenicians created a colonial urban centre here with massive walls, at least two temples, two harbours and a regular urban structure. Phoenician Tavira existed until the end of 6th Century BC, when it was destroyed by conflict. The city has since been rebuilt with many fine 18th century buildings along with its 37 churches. A 'Roman' (actually Moorish) bridge links the two parts of the town across the River Gilão. The church of Santa Maria do Castelo, built on the site of a Moorish mosque, holds the tombs of Dom Paio Peres Correia and his knights. The church dates from the 13th century and the clock tower has been remodelled from the original Muslim minaret.