Sé (Cathedral), Évora 
The great gate of the Sé (Cathedral) of Évora. Photo by Phillip Capper.
See more photos in our Evora Cathedral Gallery.
Portal with apostles. Photo by Phillip Capper.
Exterior. Photo by Giovanni Battista Salvietti.
Exterior from back. Photo by Mick L.
Cloisters. Photo by Phillip Capper.
Interior views. Photos by Disorder Chang.
The Sé (Cathedral) of Évora, Portugal, is a Romanesque-Gothic cathedral with some unique architectural elements and a piece of the True Cross in its treasury.
History
The cathedral of Évora was built in the Romanesque style between 1186 and 1204 and restored in Gothic style (c. 1400). It was built after Giraldo's conquest, right on top of the site of the mosque. According to local legend, the fleet of Vasco de Gama had their flags blessed here in 1497.
What to See
Outside, two square towers, both topped by cones, flank the stone facade; one is surrounded by satellite spires. Above the crossing is an octagonal belfry with a roof of scale-like tiles.
The façade is dominated by the two asymmetrical towers flanking the massive doorway. The 12 apostles in the portal arch are considered masterpieces of Portuguese Gothic sculpture.
The interior consists of a nave with two aisles. The 18th-century main altar, of pink, black, and white marble, is the finest in town. At the sculpture of a peaceful, pregnant Mary, The Lady of Mothers, young women pray for fertility. Step inside for a look at the statue of a pregnant Mary.
Centuries ago, priests — hoping to convert local pagans who worshipped mother goddesses — likely thought they'd have greater success if they kept the focus on fertility. Across the aisle, a statue of the Archangel Gabriel (added later) tells Mary the news she already knows.
The Gothic cloister is entered through a portal with statues of th evangelists. Some dark, narrow corridors lead from the cloister up to the roof terrace, affording a close look at the tower and roof, as well as fine views over the town and surrounding countryside.
The cathedral museum and treasury (Museu de Arte Sacra), in the south tower, houses many church treasures, the most notable of which is a 13th-century carved ivory triptych of the Virgin and Child. It opens to reveal a collection of scenes from Mary's life. There is also a reliquary studded with 1,426 precious stones, including sapphires, rubies, diamonds, and emeralds. But the most valuable item for the faithful is a piece of wood inside, said to have come from the True Cross.
Quick Facts
| Location: | Rua da República, Évora, Portugal (see Évora map) |
| Contact: | 26/670-45-21 |
| Hours: | Daily 8:30am-1pm and 2:30-6pm. Museum closed Mondays. |
| Cost: | €1 |
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Evora Cathedral. Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. For a larger view, see our Evora Map or get our free Google Earth download.
Sources
- Frommer's Portugal, 19th Edition
- Peeling Back the Layers of Evora's History - Rick Steves' Europe
- Reviews of Evora Cathedral - TripAdvisor
- Reviews of Evora Cathedral - Virtual Tourist
