Tavira - The Legend of the Moor

In Tavira’s old Moorish castle, rebuilt in 1331 by King Dinis, a magical story lingers.

It's said that on the eve of St. John’s Day, at the stroke of midnight, a beautiful Moorish maiden appears on the castle walls. She’s trapped by an enchantment and awaits a brave knight’s love to set her free.

Even today, St. John’s Eve is celebrated in Tavira, and locals recall the legend as the clock chimes twelve. Some believe the maiden was the daughter of Aben Fabilla, the Moorish ruler of Tavira when the castle was taken by D. Paio Peres Correia. To protect her during the chaos, her father cast a spell, hoping for their eventual victory.

Though Tavira’s fate changed hands many times, the tale of the enchanted Moor lives on, whispered through the town’s history.

Tavira's History in a Nutshell

Tavira’s story spans centuries, from early settlers like the Greeks and Romans to the Arab period, which left traces of urbanization and architecture. In 1242, D. Paio Peres Correia’s troops reclaimed the town from the Arabs, leading to the creation of the Santa Maria parish. By 1266, Tavira had its first town charter.

During the Age of Discoveries, Tavira thrived as a key trading port, exporting salt, dried fish, wine, and more. It became a city in 1520 under King Manuel I but later declined due to silting rivers and changing trade routes. Fishing, salt production, and agriculture sustained it, while beautiful buildings from its prosperous past remain part of its charm today.

[1] Phoenician Ritual Wells; [2] Phoenician Wall; [3] Islamic Centre; [4] Islamic Walls and Towers of Tavira; [5] Almohade neighbourhood