Cathedral, Évora

Built in the gothic style, completed in the 12th century and with a 14th century ogival cloister, the main entrance is decorated with sculptures of the apostles, the interior dates from the 17th - 18th century. The Sacred Art Museum is situated in the gallery above the nave house of the cathedral. Don't miss it!

4 more images

The history of the Cathedral of Évora starts in 1166, when the area was freed from the Moorisch. 20 years later a modest building devoted to the Virgin Mary was built. Between 1280 and 1340 the church was enlarged in an early Gothic style. In the 14th century cloisters were added. In the 16th century the Manueline chapel of the Esporão was built. In the 18th century a new main chapel in Baroque style was constructed.

Visting hours: 9AM - Noon and 2PM - 4.50PM

Admission fees:
Cathedral: Euro 1.50
Cathedral + Cloister: Euro 2.50

together you pay 3.50 for a ticket reduction 3 euro (seniors and students)
cathedral and Cloister 2.50 euro reduction 2 euro
only cathedral 1.50 euro
in the treasure its not aloud to take pictures
open 9.30 - 12.15 and 14.00 - 16.45
closed on monday

see travelogues for more pictures
the cathedral is 1 of the oldest in Evora. since 1988 is unesco
The first building is built between 1184 and 1204

4 more images

Isn't that a great way to go into paradise for this noble lady who's tomb you will find in a side-chapel of the cloisters of the catheral. 2 angels are lying next to her, giving her shelter and the sarkophag is rested on the backs of two strong lions. Enlarge also my extra-pics in order to see the fine details of that wonderful work of art.
There are also 3 tombs of bishops in the cloisters, see them in my last picture !

4 more images

Go inside the cathedral and you will see a wonderful interior, you may go to the treasury from there and into the great cloisters. For all of them you have to pay a small entrancefee, all 3 of them were 4,50 euros, so that was not really much, but I skiped the treasury, because only there photography was forbidden, while in the other parts it was no problem.
Some of the altars are covered by pure gold, that was taken from South America in the times of colonisation.

4 more images

Dont miss the cathedral, it looks very impressive already from outside with one spire that is covered by colorful tiles, while the other spire is not.My favorite part of the outside of the cathedral was the entrance-gate with 12 excellent sculptures, obviously the 12 apostles.
The cathedral was built in the 12th and 13th century after the moors had left the area and you will find elements of the Roman and the gothic style in it.

2 more images

Évora is a city full of churches, almost one at every corner! But Sé is definetely the most beautiful and impressive. I found it even more charming on the back side than on the front!

Unfortunately I didn't have time to visit the interior, but I noticed that there was an entrance fee.

3 more images

The funniest part of the Se was seeing an 80 year old woman pour water all over the steps in full make-up and four inch heels. Scary! At this point in my trip it was ABC (Another Bloody Church) but the pictures show you what a pretty church it was.

The granite Cathedral of Santa Maria was begun in 1186 and completed in 1250. The cathedral melds romanesque and Gothic styles in this castle-like cathedral with two towers, one topped with turrets and the other with a blue cone. Flanking the main portal are beautiful sculptures of the Apostles from the 14th Century. In the peaceful cloister dating from around 1325, statues of the Evangelists stand watch at each corner.

You can climb the steps in the south tower to reach the treasury. Admission EUR3.

On the other hand, you can get to the top of the walls, south side of the cathedral, as you see from the pic by climbing a circular staircase from the corner of the cloister. It offers good view.