Tombstone of the tomb of the 7 Martyrs of the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo is from the XNUMXth century 

The tombstone of the tomb of the 7 Martyrs, which exists in the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, in Tavira, must be from the XNUMXth century. The discovery was made during the restoration works that are taking place in this temple.

It is the monument to the seven Christian knights, who, at the time of the Reconquista, dared to enter Moorish territory and ended up dying. In 1242, when Tavira was conquered by the Christians, in an operation commanded by Paio Peres Correia, he decided to «save the souls of these seven knights, transporting their bodies to this church, the former major mosque, converting it into a Christian church», Diogo said. Sousa to Sul Informação, during the visit of our newspaper to the church within the scope of report on the necessary works in the parish of Tavira.

«What can be seen today embedded in the wall on the side of the epistle in the chancel is presumably a modern tombstone that contains the following inscription: “Here lie the bones of the seven knights who died in the capture of this city from the Moors on June 11, 1242”. However, according to the most recent restoration work carried out on the spot, it was concluded that the tombstone could eventually be the original, that is, from the XNUMXth century, as it presents traces and traces of gilding that were very common at the time», he added.

However, according to the Artgilão volunteer responsible for the parish's culture and heritage, its move to the chancel must have taken place after the 1755 earthquake, and the lapidary inscription is, "with all certainty", contemporary.

The Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, property of the State, is now being restored, with financial support from the Municipality, through European funds.

However, as Father Miguel Lopes Neto, parish priest of Tavira, told our newspaper, «all help is needed so that it is possible to continue to conserve the historical and religious heritage» of the city and to carry out the necessary works in the other churches.