Évora Cathedral, or Sé de Évora, was built from 1186 and was consecrated in 1204, but it was only completed around 1250. The cathedral was built on the site of a grand mosque of the Moors. The “Se” derives its name from the initials Sedes Episcopalis, meaning bishops seat in Portuguese.
The Cathedral is considered the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal. Standing at the highest point of the city, it dominates Évora’s historic centre with its massive granite walls, towers and fortress-like appearance.
Its architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. You can see this in the heavy stone structure, pointed arches and the impressive main portal, decorated with 14th-century sculptures of the Apostles.
Inside, the cathedral has three naves, a beautiful Gothic cloister and a museum of sacred art.