Giraldo Square in Évora: history, fountain and cafés in the center

Praça do Giraldo is the main square of the Portuguese city of Évora, home to more than 50,000 people. It lies in the historic centre, and it is said that all the city's main streets meet here. The square has been a national monument since 1910.

Two versions of its origin

It was once a market square. According to some sources, it appeared as early as the 14th century, with an old town hall and a Roman triumphal arch standing there. They were later demolished to make way for the fountain and the Church of Santo Antão. The square's name is linked to Giraldo the Fearless, who won Évora back from the Moors in 1167. In gratitude, King Afonso Henriques made him mayor of the city and chief border commander of the Alentejo region. That is why Évora's coat of arms shows Giraldo on horseback, sword in hand, with the heads of the Moor and his daughter, who had ruled the city before, lying at his feet.

Other, perhaps more reliable, sources date the square to 1571–1573, and its present appearance bears this out. Most likely both versions are right: in the 16th century the square was not created but completely rebuilt, and its earlier look, with several valuable monuments, above all statues and the triumphal arch, was lost.

The fountain and the Church of Santo Antão

In their place a marble Baroque-style fountain was built, and today it is one of the symbols of the square and of Évora as a whole. It has eight spouts, each linked to one of the main streets leading onto the square. A crown sits at the top: according to legend, Philip III of Spain ordered it placed there in 1619, deciding that the fountain deserved to be crowned.

The square's main landmark is the three-nave Church of Santo Antão, built on the orders of Prince Henry the Navigator. The old monuments were essentially torn down just so they would not block the view of it. Construction began in 1557, and since 1970 the church has been protected as a valuable monument. Inside, look out for the rare marble front of the high altar with the apostles. You will also not miss the Bank of Portugal building, formerly the seat of the Inquisition court, with its remarkable façade.

Cafés, shops and façades

Under the arcades and in the passages around the square there are many small shops and cafés. The best known is Café Arcada, with excellent pastries, while Évora's oldest stationery shop is called Papelaria Nazaré. The tourist information centre is also here.

The façades of the surrounding houses are mostly neoclassical or Romantic. It is worth taking a closer look at the street lamps topped with the city's coat of arms: they are said to recall the warrior Giraldo the Fearless. For locals and tourists alike, the square is a favourite place to meet, rest and unwind.

Around Prague, based on reporting by turistika.cz