Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago)

Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago) is a freguesia (civil parish) in the municipality of Tavira, in the Algarve region of Portugal. It was created in 2013 through the administrative reorganization of the country.

As the name suggests, the freguesia encompasses parts of the historic city of Tavira, specifically the areas formerly belonging to the extinct freguesias of Santa Maria and Santiago. Therefore, Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago) contains a significant portion of Tavira's historical and cultural heritage.

The area includes key landmarks such as the Roman bridge (Ponte Romana), numerous churches including the Igreja de Santa Maria do Castelo (Santa Maria Church of the Castle), and the Jardim Público de Tavira (Tavira Public Garden).

The economy of the freguesia is largely based on tourism, commerce, and services, reflecting the importance of Tavira as a tourist destination. Fishing also maintains a degree of importance, albeit less prominent than in the past.

Demographically, Tavira (Santa Maria e Santiago) represents a significant portion of the overall population of the Tavira municipality. Population statistics are generally available from the Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE), the Portuguese national statistics institute.

The freguesia is governed by a Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council), responsible for local administration and services.