Praça de República is the historic heartland of the town, where townspeople and merchants would gather daily to meet and trade goods. Go for a stroll around this preserved plaza and admire the architecture of its pretty 19th-century townhouses and riverfront amphitheater.
The square is a great spot to begin your exploration of Tavira’s historic center. Stop by the town’s Tourist Information Centre located within the square and pick up maps, brochures and programs for public events. Wander down the paved sidewalk and browse the range of cafés and shops that spill out from heritage buildings on the plaza’s western side.
Take a seat on a bench and watch locals and visitors congregating at the old town square as they have for centuries. Facing the riverbank, this square would have been thriving with local fishmongers, farmers and merchants when it was used as the town marketplace.
Admire the 13th-century Church of Santiago de Tavira, which was restored after being damaged in the earthquake of 1755. The monumental Câmara Municipal de Tavira (Tavira Town Hall) is on the eastern side of the plaza.
To the north of the square, you’ll find a remodeled amphitheater backed by a waterfront boulevard. You might see local events and open-air concerts in this pretty urban area. Enjoy the views of the heritage streetscape, as well as the leafy palm trees that border the plaza’s northeastern side.
If you feel like a meal, stop by one of the cafés and restaurants that face the square. Sit down at an outdoor table beneath the shade of a sun umbrella and people-watch from your café. Guesthouses and hotels can be found in the streets directly behind the plaza.
Praça de República is located in the center of historic Tavira, next to the banks of the Gilão River. The square is free to visit any time of the day. It is linked to the northern side of the city via the Ponte Romana (Roman Bridge).
