Evora Cathedral

The great gate of the Sé (Cathedral) of Évora. Photo Phillip Capper.
See more photos in our Evora Cathedral Gallery.

Portal with apostles. Photo Phillip Capper.

Exterior. Photo Giovanni Battista Salvietti.

Exterior from back. Photo Mick L.

Cloisters. Photo Phillip Capper.

Interior views. Photos by Disorder Chang.

Location map and aerial view of Evora Cathedral. For a larger view, see our Evora Map or Google Earth download.

The Sé (Cathedral) of Évora, Portugal, is a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with some unique architectural elements and many valuable treasures.

History

The cathedral of Évora was built in a solid Romanesque style beginning in 1186, about 20 years after the Reconquest and on the site of the city's main mosque. It was completed in 1204. A couple centuries later, it was restored in the Gothic style (c. 1400). According to local legend, the fleet of Vasco de Gama had their flags blessed here in 1497.

What to See

Évora Cathedral's heavy stone facade is flanked with two cone-topped, battlemented square towers, dating from c.1200. The more graceful details, such as the porch and central window, date from the Gothic period. The 12 apostles in the main portal, which recall similar designs at Notre Dame de Paris and Chartres Cathedral in France, are considered masterpieces of Portuguese Gothic sculpture. The crossing tower is an octagonal belfry, with a roof of scale-like tiles.

The interior consists of a nave with two aisles. The impressive 18th-century main altar is made of pink, black, and white marble. Along with the choir, it was created by Friedrich Ludwig, the German architect of the palace-monastery at Mafra.

A major spiritual focus of the interior is a statue of a serene and pregnant Virgin Mary known as The Lady of Mothers, dating from the 15th century. It is unusual to see Mary depicted so obviously pregnant - speculaton is that local priests thought they would have better success in converting local pagans (many of whom worshipped mother goddesses) if they kept the focus on fertility. Young women still pray for fertility, and loved ones pray for help during difficult childbirths, before the statue. Across the aisle, a Renaissance statue of the Archangel Gabriel announces the news of the miraculous conception.

The fine Gothic cloister is entered through a portal with statues of the evangelists. Dark, narrow corridors lead up to a terrace, affording a rare close-up look at the tower and roof as well as providing nice views over the town and surrounding countryside.

The cathedral museum and treasury (Museu de Arte Sacra), in the south tower, houses many wonderful treasures. Among the most notable is a 13th-century carved ivory triptych of the Madonna and Child, which opens to reveal a collection of scenes from Mary's life. Also unmissable is a reliquary studded with 1,426 precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds - it contains a piece of wood said to have come from the True Cross.

Quick Facts

Names:	Evora Cathedral; Sé
City:	Evora
State/Province:	Alentejo
Country:	Portugal
Category:	Cathedrals
Faith:	Christianity
Denomination:	Catholic
Status:	active
Date(s):	1186-1204
Architecture:	Romanesque, Gothic
Coordinates:	38.571673° N, 7.906626° W
Address:	R. da República, Évora 7005, Portugal
Phone:	26/670-45-21
Hours:	Daily 8:30am-1pm and 2:30-6pm. Museum closed Mondays.
Cost:	€1

Travel Resources for Evora

Evora Map - our own interactive map, plus links to more maps
Evora Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities
Evora Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest price
Evora Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
Evora Hotel Reviews - unbiased ratings from fellow travelers
Evora Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Evora Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Evora tourism

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

Frommer's Portugal, 19th Edition
Peeling Back the Layers of Evora's History - Rick Steves' Europe
The Sé and around - Rough Guide to Portugal, 12th edition
Reviews of Evora Cathedral - TripAdvisor
Reviews of Evora Cathedral - Virtual Tourist