Step back in time and embark on a captivating journey through the Roman history of Tavira with the exhibition, “Balsa, Roman City,” at the Tavira Municipal Museum – Palácio da Galeria. This immersive showcase promises visitors a two-thousand-year exploration into the urban origins of the Algarve. The exhibition runs through 28 September 2024.
It can be said that the roots of this exhibition began 150 years ago when Estácio da Veiga, a pioneering figure in Portuguese Archaeology hailing from Tavira, established the “Algarve Archaeological Museum.” The exceptional collection, featuring artifacts from the Roman city of Balsa, was originally displayed in Lisbon in 1880, giving rise to the present-day National Archaeology Museum.
The exhibition sheds light on the urban center that thrived on the banks of the Ria Formosa two millennia ago, near Luz de Tavira. The showcase not only features artifacts from Balsa but also incorporates pieces from other regional and national museums, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the historical heritage of the city.
As you wander through various exhibition rooms, you’ll witness different facets of this ancient city, from its early references to its disappearance, unveiling the stories of its inhabitants, their daily lives, economic activities, health concerns, beauty practices, and funeral rituals.
For more information, visit the Tavira Municipal Museum website.
Tavira Municipal Museum
Palácio da Galeria
Calçada da Galeria
Tavira
Eastern Algarve
Phone: + 351 281 320 540
Email: museu@cm-tavira.pt
Entrance:
Adults – €2.00
Seniors, students and children 8-18 years – €1.00
Children under 8 years – free
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday – 09:30 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 16:30
Closed: Sundays, Mondays and holidays