Tavira seems to have an extraordinary number of churches and chapels. There are at least 17 in the town itself, with some reports saying 21 and others 30. However I’m uncertain if they are including in their numbers the further 17 found in other villages but still within the Tavira parish. Whatever the number the variety of styles is wonderful. Some are incredibly grand and others quite simple – making Tavira a must visit if you enjoy religious architecture.
Now I know Jo has taken us to many of the chapels in her beloved Tavira, but I don’t think she has taken us to this one – Ermida de Nossa Senhora do Livramento. The Church of the Lady of Deliverance is also known as Ermida de São Lázaros, and inside there are 19th century ex-votos given by local seafarers. I would have love to have shown you these as apparently their ex-votos are paintings showing boats in difficulty out at sea. Unfortunately though I can’t because like many of the chapels and churches in Tavira the doors weren’t open. However I hope you won’t mind too much as its exterior, a 19th century addition, is rather lovely and this is a Thursday Doors entry.
For the historians among us the church dates from the 15th century but underwent significant restoration in the 17th century and again in the 18th following the great earthquake. It was built on the site of a former leper hospital, when this area would have been on the outskirts of Tavira. By the way did you notice the Tavira roof above the other door?