Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Évora > Évora > Évora > Centro Histórico
The Cadaval Palace is located in the heart of Évora's Historic Centre, a prominent position on the city's acropolis. Its facade stands imposingly opposite one of the most emblematic landmarks of the locality, the Roman Temple, creating a visual dialogue between eras.
This central location allows the building to integrate into the urban landscape, revealing its long history and how it developed over the centuries, remaining an essential landmark in Évora's fabric.
Since its foundation in the 14th century, the Cadaval Palace has been the uninterrupted property of the family of the Dukes of Cadaval, witnessing centuries of Portuguese history. Erected over the remains of an ancient Moorish castle, the palace still preserves traces of its fortified military origins, including the notable Tower of Five Corners, a pentagonal structure that stands imposingly on the main facade and is classified as a National Monument.
Over time, the palace was a temporary residence for monarchs such as Dom João II, Dom João IV, and Dom João V. It was also the scene of dramatic events, such as the imprisonment of Dom Fernando II, Duke of Bragança, in 1483, a significant episode in the history of Portuguese nobility.
The architecture of the Cadaval Palace is a unique example of the fusion of styles, where one can observe the harmonious coexistence of Mudéjar, Gothic, and Manueline elements. This diversity reflects the various construction phases and adaptations the building underwent over the centuries, resulting in a rich and complex aesthetic.
An integral part of the palatial complex is the Church of São João Evangelista, also known as Igreja dos Lóios. Founded in 1485, this private worship church is a true pantheon for generations of the Ducal family. Its interior stands out for its grandeur, particularly the early 18th-century tile panels, signed by the painter António de Oliveira, which narrate episodes from the life of Saint Lawrence Giustiniani. Walking through the nave, it is possible to observe tombs of dukes and their ancestors since the 15th century, as well as a surprising Arab cistern.
The church's chancel impresses with its Mannerist-style gilded carved altar, while the walls covered with 17th-century polychrome tiles create a unique atmosphere. Other notable details include the original marble tombs and the Renaissance tomb of Dom Francisco de Melo, whose authorship is attributed to the French architect Nicolas Chanterene.
The Cadaval Palace, which is still the residence of the ducal family, offers visitors the opportunity to explore part of its vast collection of historical and contemporary pieces. This collection ranges from illuminated codices and armory to paintings, sculptures, furniture, porcelains, and family portraits. These pieces not only illustrate the history of the House of Cadaval but also provide a perspective on the life and interests of this influential lineage.
The House of Cadaval has a deep connection with the Royal House of Bragança, descending from the first king of Portugal, Dom Afonso Henriques, and the Holy Constable, Dom Nuno Álvares Pereira. This legacy makes the palace a place where the history of the family and the history of Portugal intertwine, reflecting the importance and power of this noble lineage.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.5732426,-7.9076078
Coordinates DMS: 38°34'23.7"N 07°54'27.4"W
Weather Évora
On-duty Pharmacy Évora
