Évora Cathedral

Évora Cathedral, the Basilica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, is a granite cathedral on the highest point of Évora, begun in 1186, consecrated in 1204 and completed in 1250. It marks the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style, with three naves about 80 metres long, and is described as the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal.

The cathedral is part of the Historic Centre of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Pope Pius XI gave it the title of minor basilica in 1930.

What to see at Évora Cathedral

Façade: a front between two medieval towers, the south one holding the bells, with a Gothic portal flanked by statues of the apostles by Master Pêro, of the 14th century.
Lantern tower: the tower over the crossing, crowned by a spire of stone scales, the most visible feature of the cathedral.
Nave: three naves with pointed arches and Gothic vaults.
Esporão chapel: the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, dated 1529, with a late Manueline marble portal.
Chancel: the chancel of Estremoz marble rebuilt in the 18th century under King João V.
Cloister and roof: the Gothic cloister, and the roof terraces with a view over the city.
Museum of sacred art: a collection of goldsmiths' work, vestments, paintings and sculpture in the former college of the cathedral choirboys.

History of Évora Cathedral

1186: construction begins, soon after the Christian conquest of Évora.
1204: the cathedral is consecrated.
1250: the building is completed.
15th and 16th centuries: the high choir, the pulpit, the baptistery and the Esporão chapel are added.
18th century: King João V sponsors the new marble chancel.
1930: Pope Pius XI grants the title of minor basilica.

Visiting Évora Cathedral

Location: the cathedral stands at the top of Rua 5 de Outubro, a short walk from the Roman Temple.
Tickets: the cathedral, the cloister, the roof and the museum are visited with one ticket, and the Archdiocese of Évora publishes current times and prices.