Camera obscura in the old water tower

What it is

At the highest point of Tavira, near the castle, stands the town's old water tower, built in 1931. It fell out of use, came close to being demolished, and in 1999 local people voted in a referendum to keep it. In 2004 it became the first camera obscura in the Algarve: the Camera Obscura – Tavira Eye.

Inside the tower, about 30 metres above sea level, a periscope with a rotating mirror and a double lens captures the town and projects it live onto a horizontal screen more than two metres across, in a darkened room. As the guide turns the mirror, you watch cars go by, people on café terraces and boats on the river, in real time, while the guide tells you the story of what appears: the bridge over the Gilão, the churches, the hipped roofs, the salt pans and the Ria Formosa.

What the session is like

Each session lasts about 30 minutes, for a maximum of 15 people, with commentary in Portuguese and English. The image moves constantly and depends on sunlight: on cloudy or rainy days the camera may close because the image is not clear enough. Pick a clear day and, if you can, go around midday, when the light is strongest.

Opening hours and closures

In the winter period it opens Tuesday to Friday, 11:00 to 14:00, with the last session at 13:30. It closes on Portuguese public holidays, including 25 December and 1 January, and on days when the weather does not allow a good image. The hours change with the season: check its website before you go, especially in summer.

Prices and booking

• Adults: €6.50.
• Students and over-65s: €6.
• Children aged 4 to 12 and people with disabilities: €3.
• Family (two adults and two children up to 12): €18.
• Groups of more than ten: 20% discount, booking by email.

You can book a session online on its website or buy at reception. With small groups and few sessions a day, it is wise to book in high season.

Getting there

The tower is at Calçada da Galeria 12, at the top of the old town. You walk up from Praça da República and the bridge along steep streets, in about ten minutes. It fits into a walk round the historic centre of Tavira, between the castle and Santa Maria do Castelo. There is no point driving up: park below, by the river.

Accessibility and children

The camera is adapted for people with reduced mobility. It is not suitable for children under 4, and children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. It is not recommended for people with vertigo or heart problems, because of the moving image in the dark.