Celebrated annually on April 18, the day will be marked at Tavira’s Municipal Museum with a historical walk, a guided tour and an open-door day for the public.

As part of the International Day for Monuments and Sites, the Municipal Museum of Tavira will open its doors to the public free of charge on Thursday, April 18, offering all visitors the opportunity to enjoy the exhibitions on display.

On Saturday, April 20, at 10h30, the event “Tours in the History of Tavira” will explore the shift from the architectural style of Diogo Tavares de Ataíde (1711-1765) to the intricate platbands of Tavira.

Under the guidance of architect Marta Santos, this initiative will delve into the work of Diogo Tavares de Ataíde (1711-1765), known as an architect-craftsman and a key figure in the ornamentation of Baroque architecture in the Algarve. He is renowned for his stone works, embossed ornaments, and mass work.

During a tour of the historical centre, the architect will explain how the 18th-century mortar decorations transformed into the elaborate platbands that defined Tavira in the subsequent centuries.

Marta Santos is an architect with a master’s degree in Rehabilitation of Architecture and Urban Nuclei from FAUL, a postgraduate degree in Intangible Cultural Heritage from ULHT, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Architecture, Conservation, and Restoration at FAUL – FCT.

On the same day, at 15h30, the Museum is organising a guided visit to the exhibition “Balsa, Roman City” led by archaeologist Celso Candeias from Tavira City Council.

The exhibition, on display at Palácio da Galeria, takes you on a 2000-year journey back to when the city thrived on the banks of the Ria Formosa and eventually became the capital of a Roman municipality.

Visitors can explore an exhibition spanning ten rooms showcasing about 100 pieces from various national museums. This exhibition offers insights into the city’s origin and development, its key economic activities, culinary traditions, and the daily lives of its residents.

Participation in these activities is free. Interested parties must complete the respective forms by April 18 for the following options: Tours in the History of Tavira (maximum 30 participants) and guided visit to the exhibition “Balsa, Roman City” (maximum 15 participants).

International Day for Monuments and Sites, celebrated annually on April 18, was established in 1982 by ICOMOS and approved by UNESCO the following year.

This commemorative day aims to raise public awareness about heritage diversity and the efforts needed to protect and conserve it. It highlights its vulnerability and stresses the importance of safeguarding and enhancing it.

More information is available at the Division of Tourism, Heritage, and Museums of the Municipality of Tavira. You can contact them by phone at 281 320 545 or 568 or via email at museumtavira@gmail.com.