Cathedral of Évora — Attraction in Évora

We were a little disappointed in Évora to be truthful. It is highly recommended by so many guide books that perhaps we were expecting too much. It is an old hill top fortified village with white marble and granite roads and pavements but the more places in Portugal you visit you realise that this is normal. Marble is referred to as 'White Gold' by the Portuguese. In fact seek out the huge working marble quarry on the road To Evora. Blink and you will miss the entrance. You can park your car just inside the gates and look over a 'rail' down into the quarry. It is NOT open to the public but its free to take a look over the railings. To be fair the day we visited Évora it was a hot October day roughly at 'siesta' time so the place was deserted and shops closed. Atmosphere makes a big difference to a place and this had none the day we went. Having said that the highlight of the day (the only one) was the Cathedral. Its vast and has access to the roof terrace which offers far reaching views. There is a cafe and toilets downstairs. There is an entrance fee to get in. We didn't have time to visit the Museum which is literally on the square almost in front of the impressive Temple of Diana. We paid to park just outside the village walls by the University and walked up...

The Cathedral of Évora possesses several unique features. It stands as the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, resembling a fortress with its two massive towers and the intricate granite main portal depicting scenes from the life of Christ. This main portal is considered one of Portugal's most impressive Gothic portals, featuring master sculptures of the Apostles from the 14th century. Inside, the cathedral showcases a fascinating transition from Romanesque to Gothic styles, with later Renaissance and Baroque additions. Highlights include the three naves supported by heavy columns, the ornate main chapel, and the beautiful Renaissance-style choir stalls crafted from walnut wood, depicting biblical and mythological scenes. Notably, the cathedral also boasts a Gothic cloister and a museum housing a remarkable collection of ecclesiastical artifacts, including a 14th-century ivory Virgin.The façade also features a magnificent Gothic window that bathes the interior in light, and one of the towers is adorned with medieval colored tiles. For a unique perspective, visitors can also ascend to the rooftop for panoramic views...

Évora is a stunning town, and at its heart stands the magnificent Cathedral of Évora, perched on a hilltop like a crown jewel. The town itself feels like stepping back in time narrow cobbled streets, ancient walls, and a peaceful, almost magical medieval atmosphere that wraps around you the moment you arrive.

The cathedral is an awe-inspiring structure, both inside and out. Its Gothic architecture is beautifully preserved, and climbing to the roof rewards you with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. From every angle, it’s easy to see how this cathedral became the focal point of such a historic town.

It’s hard not to like all of it. The quiet charm, the rich history, and the way everything centers so naturally around the cathedral make Évora an unforgettable place to visit. Highly recommended for lovers of history, architecture, or anyone looking for a peaceful escape into...