Portugal's Attractions: Evora Cathedral
Evora Sé
The ornate, fortress-like Sé (Cathedral) on Largo do Marques de Marialva in the center of Evora is one of the most impressive churches in Portugal.
History
Begun at the end of the 12th century, Evora Cathedral has some splendid Gothic additions such as the chancel and the cloister. Evora Cathedral is beautifully lit with the light from two rose windows.
The granite cathedral stands on the highest point in Evora and the exterior of the building is reminiscent of Lisbon's Cathedral. The church has an interesting sacred art museum full of jeweled, religious artifacts in the south tower, including a gorgeous, gem-encrusted reliquary purportedly containing slivers of Christ's Cross.
Architecture
The Museu de Evora is next to the cathedral and was once the palace of the archbishop. The museum exhibits Roman and medieval remains as well as religious art by Flemish painters from the Renaissance.
The impressive entrance portal to the church is covered with statues of the apostles. The apostles are sculptures from the 3rd decade of the XIV century, most probably by Mestre (master) Pero.
A sculptor from Coimbra, Pero (Pêro) is considered the most important sculptor of his century. Believed to be of Aragonese origin, Pero's Gothic masterpieces can be seen as various churches throughout the country. These include the tomb of D. Isabel de Aragão (the wife of Dom Dinis) first located in the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and now in the Convento de Santa Clara-a-Nova.
Other works by the sculptor are the tomb of the Archbishop of Braga, D. Gonçalo Pereira, in the Capela da Glória within Braga Cathedral as well as a tomb in the Igreja de São João de Alporão in Santarém and another of João Gordo in Porto Cathedral in Porto.
The niches beneath the statues of the apostles in the portal also hold tombs. Inside the architecture is heavily Gothic. Downstairs from the cloister are the tombs of previous archbishops of Evora.
Across from the entrance to the cathedral is the pleasant Palácio do Vimioso campus of Evora University.
Access
Evora Cathedral
Largo do Marques de Marialva
Evora
Hours: 9 am-12.30 pm; 2-5 pm
Map
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