In total, there are 21 churches in Tavira and this number is due to the diversity of religious orders that have settled in this city.

Tavira is well known for the bridge across the river Gilão and castle but it is the number of churches there that really makes it stand out as a destination.

Outside the castle walls, but very close to it, stands the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo, one of the 21 churches spread throughout the city. This is one of the most famous Catholic temples and it is there that the body of D. Paio Peres Correia, conqueror of the city from the Moors in 1242, lies. It is also believed that the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo today occupies the place of the former largest mosque.

According to Jornal do Algarve, the number of churches increases to 25 once the temples around Tavira are taken into account, namely Santa Luzia, Luz, Conceição, Santo Estêvão, Santa Catarina and Cachopo.