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 An immense cathedral dominates the city of Évora, in Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century, it is an architectural masterpiece combining Romanesque and Gothic styles.


 
 If you're unfamiliar with Portugal's medieval past, a visit to
 Évora in the Alentejo
 could change all that. This UNESCO World Heritage city is packed with treasures from ancient times. Among these is the Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, known locally as Sé de Évora, a magnificent monument made of granite that stands out in the city. Its imposing size makes it the largest cathedral in Portugal to be built entirely in the Gothic style.
 


 
 But don't this its austere fortress-like appearance stop you - the cathedral boasts a refined, sculpted interior that has evolved over the centuries. The result is a
 monument that blends several architectural styles
 , much to the delight of history and architecture lovers.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 A fascinating hybrid architectural style
 </h2>


 
 Sé de Évora is a grand dame: it was built in 1186 - although it wasn't completed until 1250. Built out of granite, it initially adopted a Romanesque style, easily recognisable by its massive structure and sober lines. As architectural techniques evolved, the Gothic style gradually came to the fore, particularly in its impressive vaulted nave and 14
 
 th
 
 century cloister.
 


 
 Then, in the 15
 
 th
 
 and 16
 
 th
 
 centuries, numerous additions were made to the cathedral, starting with the high choir, the pulpit, the baptistery and the chapel arch. In the 18
 
 th
 
 century, King John V of Portugal had the new main chapel built. Since then, a number of restoration works have been carried out, including the demolition of the 18
 
 th
 
 century cloister cloakrooms (to expose the cloister's exterior windows and rose windows) and the removal of some Baroque altarpieces (the decoration behind the altar).
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 Portugal's largest medieval cathedral
 </h2>


 
 As you walk up Rua 5 de Outubro, the imposing cathedral comes into view. First you see the two towers built in the 16
 
 th
 
 century (one of which is topped with a spire covered in azulejos, and the other has a square tower), then the main doorway with its perfectly preserved 14
 
 th
 
 -century Apostles. Two other entrances complete the picture: the Porta do Sol with its Gothic arches, and the Porta Norte, a legacy of the Baroque period.
 


 
 Once inside Sé de Évora, the monument’s sheer size becomes even more apparent. Its three naves measure around 80 metres in length. The central nave is lined with granite columns, and leads to the richly decorated high altar. Surrounding it is the Gothic cloister, built around 1325. Its elegant architecture is somewhat reminiscent of Hogwarts, the iconic castle of the
 Harry Potter saga
 .
 


 
 But the highlight of the tour is evidently the climb to the roof of the cathedral. From there, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the city and the golden plains of the Alentejo. Finally, the cathedral's treasury houses an impressive collection of liturgical objects, paintings and religious sculptures. Not to be missed.
 


 <h2 class="wp-block-heading">
 Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
 </h2>


 
 In addition to the cathedral, Évora is also packed with historic monuments, which is why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The
 Temple of Diana
 , for example, is one of the best-preserved Roman remains in Portugal. A few steps away, the Church of São Francisco and its
 Chapel of Bones
 (whose walls are covered with skulls and human bones) offer a striking experience.
 


 
 The city also boasts an impressive aqueduct, the Aqueduto da Água de Prata, which runs for several kilometres through Évora. Finally, the cobbled streets of the historic centre are a pleasant invitation to stroll around and discover this city-museum.
 


 
 
 Sé de
 
 
 Évora
 
 Largo Marquês de Marialva
 
 
 7000-809 Évora
 
 
 +351 266 759 330
 
 
 www.evoracathedral.com

This breathtaking Portuguese monument is the country’s largest medieval cathedral

Unknown architecture, catholic churches, monuments, portugal, roman catholic church

An immense cathedral dominates the city of Évora, in Portugal. Dating back to the 12th century, it is an architectural masterpiece combining Romanesque and Gothic styles. If you're unfamiliar wi…