The massive granite fortress, Portugal's largest cathedral, the main shrine of Evora (a beautiful ancient city just a few kilometers from Lisbon) has been rising on a green hill since the middle of the 13th century. The construction of such a monumental temple continued for more than half a century. Then the cathedral stubbornly resisted the influence of time for about 800 years to become a true pride, a heritage of the past, and a symbol of modern Portugal.

The exterior of the ancient cathedral combines the Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance. Two cathedral towers, richly decorated with sculptures of the Holy Apostles, once served as watchtowers. The thick walls and the absence of windows on the lower tier, which is unusual for medieval Catholic churches, speak louder than words about the military function of the cathedral. This design has repeatedly saved the cathedral during natural disasters, such as the great fire of 1755.

Particularly noteworthy attractions are the Gothic rose window on the west side and the old bell tower. Its ancient cast bells were ringing celebrating every hour for many centuries. Three expensive types of marble, white, black and pale pink, make the cathedral interior look solemn. The hallmark of the cathedral is a splendid Baroque altar created by the famous architect Ludovisi. It is decorated with Gothic images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel. The magnificent interior is complemented by the enchanting sounds of the ancient organ, which can still be heard today during Sunday and festive Masses.

If you climb the stairs of the south tower, you can get to the Museum of Religious Art, which displays the vestments, church utensils, and a shrine for storing the relics of saints. A magnificent box with precious stones, like sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and rubies, stands on winged cherubs and is sided by two beautiful vases of the Chinese Ming dynasty.