Palace of Dom Manuel

Category: Civil Architecture > Palace

District: Évora > Évora > Évora > São Mamede, Sé, São Pedro e Santo Antão

Location

The Palace of Dom Manuel is situated in the heart of Évora, elegantly framed within the Public Garden. This green space, densely wooded and serene, was once the orchard of the Convent of São Francisco, offering a tranquil environment for a stroll through the city. Its prominent position on the southwestern slope of Évora's hill gives it remarkable visibility.

A Royal Legacy

What is known today as the Palace of Dom Manuel is a pavilion that survived from a vast palatial complex, the former Royal Palace of São Francisco. Its construction began by order of D. Afonso V, and it was D. Manuel I who endowed it with the architectural grandeur that characterized it. This palace was the scene of crucial moments in Portugal's history, such as the marriage of Infante D. Afonso, son of D. João II, and the place where Vasco da Gama received command of the fleet bound for India. The playwright Gil Vicente also presented several of his plays for the queens of the time at this location.

Architecture and Resilience

Of the grand original complex, the element that has survived to our days is the Galeria das Damas (Ladies' Gallery), a remarkable 16th-century pavilion. This gallery is a unique example of the Manueline style, which here manifests with a fusion of Moorish influences and Renaissance details, such as its characteristic horseshoe arches and twin windows. Over the centuries, the building faced several challenges, including its use as a war warehouse, collapses, and a fire. Despite the transformations and losses, it was classified as a National Monument in 1910, and underwent recoveries that allowed its essential parts to be saved.

Current Cultural Space

After a period of restoration and requalification completed in 2021, the Palace of Dom Manuel now plays a central role in Évora's cultural life. It hosts official receptions, cultural ceremonies, and various exhibitions. Integrated into the building is also an interpretive center for the city, which offers visitors a permanent exhibition and spaces for temporary displays, making it a meeting point for Évora's culture and history. This most recent intervention opened the palace to Praça 1.º de Maio, improving its connection with the urban dynamic.

Accessibility

The interior of the Palace of Dom Manuel features spacious areas, allowing comfortable circulation for many visitors. However, it is important to note that some points of the route include steps, which may restrict access to the upper floors for people with reduced mobility.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt