Tavira, in the Eastern Algarve, has a reputation for restoring her many churches. In the years I have been visiting I have marvelled at some of the changes wrought. Still it is a thrill to turn a corner and find another, ripe for renovation. If you look closely at the gallery below, you will see what I mean. Exposed bare plaster scars the walls and alcoves.
Previously I had only been into the gardens, the church being always locked. Just occasionally the gardens would be padlocked too, and I’d feel a sense of deprivation. A quiet bench, the overgrown trees dappling patterns onto ruined walls, somehow they provide a warm and soothing space.
Still, it was a revelation to venture inside this church. First appearances can be deceptive. A curtain veiled the entrance to a side chapel. Stepping through a little cautiously, I was utterly unprepared for the figures that greeted me there.
The Church of São Francisco has met with it’s share of disasters. Since construction in 1272 it has suffered 2 earthquakes (in 1722 and 1755), a landslide in 1843 and a fire in 1881. Perhaps it’s time it had a little luck. Should you find yourself in Tavira and the church happens to be open, please deposit a few coins in the collection box. It may help speed the recovery.
This might not be what Paula had in mind for Traces of the Past this week, but it’s an opportunity to share with you Thursday’s Special.
restlessjo 
Thanks for sharing your photographs with us. I feel as if I were standing right next to you as you photographed this amazing church.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a lovely thought, Ruth 🙂 Then we could sit on a bench in the garden and chat.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now that would be lovely.
LikeLiked by 2 people
wow!!! What an amazing plce!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a complete surprise to get inside, Aletta, and I loved it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can just imagine that!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Jo, these are breathtaking!! 😀😀 The figures are amazing, so tender in their expressions. The restoration is wonderful but wow, what an undertaking and I’d love to visit and leave some money in the collection box. I’m touched that the churches are being rescued and restored, such love, care and time showered on them – we all gain in the process! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
The statues look in great repair but the walls of the church are riddled with saltpetre. Hopefully they can sort it because it’s such a beautiful place. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! What a find Jo. I love those sculptures in their individual alcoves, it is something I’ve never seen in a church. When we see churches or cathedrals overseas Hubby usually stays outside while I venture in to see the art and how the interior is decorated, it is fascinating. I hope that they get the funding they need to restore that church 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think they will eventually, Sam. Lots of Tavira’s churches have been restored already. I’ve not seen statues quite like these either. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Taken right back to Catholic childhood of Mass on Sundays … looking at statues of Saints … The Virgin Mary et al .
Struck some kind of chord long forgotten . Such a beautiful Church … since 1272 really surviving against the odds ! Lovely share Jo .
LikeLiked by 1 person
I seem to be into religion at the minute, Poppy. I’m just finishing off the last of my Nativity scene posts. Must be the time of year 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Bless you Jo 😉 xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh my that sounds like a very big run of bad luck! Being in Canada I always have a hard time wrapping my head around the idea of a building being constructed in the 1200’s! You have captured it beautifully Jo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Sue 🙂 Just the other day, in the scheme of things 🙂 🙂 Thank you very much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a very beautiful church but sad it has fallen into disrepair. I guess that is a sign of the disrepair in the Christian Church as a whole.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There are more than 20 churches in the town of Tavira, Patrick. Many of them are in good repair and over time the local council has been implementing restoration. It’s an expensive and time consuming business. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, restoring an old building, or house, is definitely time consuming and expensive. I know this all too well. ☺️
LikeLiked by 2 people
What a beautiful church! I would love to visit it, lots of interesting subject to take picture of too 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Tavira is full of churches, Indah. One day I’ll manage to find my way into all of them. 🙂
LikeLike
I love places like this. Thanks for posting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
My favourite monkey! 🙂 Glad you found something you like.
LikeLike
Grossartige Motive, danke fürs zeigen Jo…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Danke, Ernst und Guten Freitag 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Surreal and beautiful at the same time Jo!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know exactly what you mean Rosemay xx
LikeLike
I hope it gets restored, it’s beautiful. However, I Have to say that those life sized statues freak me out, I’m not a fan of Baroque statuary, let alone when they have real human hair!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They are a bit spooky Ana, I have to admit x
LikeLiked by 1 person
The gilded frames around the statuary are so ornate. I’m sure there is a special name for these “frames.” Regardless, very impressive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t know it either, Gabe. Great family heirlooms to have though!
LikeLike
Churches seem to attract all kinds of people, even pagan witches like me, I can never resist one. I really hope they find enough money to restore this one to glory and it needs to be sooner rather than later. I see that someone else finds the figures creepy, can’t remember where I saw some, perhaps where I saw the Fado, but they give me the heebie jeebies.
Hope your cold clears off for the weekend babe, doing anything exciting? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
They just finished the one by the bombeiros, Gilly, and I haven’t seen it open yet. I’ve loved the gardens of this one ever since we found them, years ago. Such a nice surprise to find it open. 🙂 Nothing much this weekend. James will be home sometime on Sunday for his Monday birthday. Hopefully we’ll have some idea how things stand with the job then. How about my favourite pagan witch? 🙂
LikeLike
Thank You showing this beautiful church. Always when on travel, I visit to churches and admire the art inside them. Our churches are very modest, because parishes are poor.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m often astounded at how elaborate the Catholic churches are, Sartenada. I sometimes think that the wealth would be better spent helping the poor but these art works go back and back in time.
LikeLiked by 1 person