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The best independent guide to Central Portugal

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The best independent guide to Central Portugal

Praça do Giraldo, Evora

Praça do Giraldo is the main square of Evora and it is hard to believe that this calm and pleasant setting was the scene for some of the region’s most violent historical events. The square was the focal point for the murderous 16th century Spanish Inquisitions and more significantly the location of the execution of the Duke of Braganza in 1484.

Today the charming Praça do Giraldo is a popular place for tourists to sit at the open air cafes and restaurants and embrace the relaxing ambience.
Related articles: Introduction to Evora

Praça do Giraldo evora

The Praça do Giraldo is the heart of the city

What's to see in the Praça do Giraldo?

The Praça do Giraldo is the largest square in Evora and has historically been the heart of the city. Originally in the square was devised in the 13th century as a public area outside of the city walls that could host the weekly market.

As Evora expand the city walls incorporated the Praça do Giraldo and the square was flanked by the mighty 14th century Estaus Palace. As the palace fell out of favour with the Portuguese nobility in the 16th century it was abandoned and become absorbed into other buildings of the district.

A section of this once grand palace is still visible in the Praça do Giraldo and today houses the tourist information office. The gothic architectural legacy of the palace has continued to this day with wide stone arches and traditional white painted facades.

At the eastern edge of the Praça do Giraldo is the squat Igreja de Santo Anta church, while the bank at the western end was once the town hall and later the city jail. In the centre of the square is the ornate Henriquina fountain the source of water from the Água de Prata Aqueduct.

Historical Events of Praça do Giraldo

The most historic significant event that occurred in the Praça do Giraldo was the beheading of the Duke of Braganza in 1484 by his brother-in-law, King John II. King John II murdered his brother-in-law as the duke was in league with the Spanish nobility to overthrow the Portuguese king.

The Duke of Braganza’s plans were uncovered after his letters were intercepted by the king’s spies and the Duke was executed in the Praça do Giraldo as a clear warning to other conspirators.

Praca do Giraldo evora

The Fonte Henriquina

Later on the Praça do Giraldo was a regional court for the Spanish Inquisitions, which in total condemned over 22,000 people in a 200 year period. The autos-da-fe religious courts were conducted in public and the Praça do Giraldo was selected as the regional court.

The most notorious event occurred in 1573 when convicts of the court were burnt alive on giant pyres that was constructed in the centre of the square. Origin of the Name Praça do Giraldo

Origin of the Name Praça do Giraldo and the Flag of Evora

The Praça do Giraldo is named after a folklore hero, Giraldo Sem Pavor, who aided Alfonso Henriques expel the Moors from the Alentejo region during the Christian Crusades of Portugal. Giraldo Sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless) and his band of fighters were famed for their stealth and surprise attacks.

Praca do Giraldo evora

The gothic architecture of the Praça do Giraldo

His association with Evora occurred in 1170 when his band of fighters significantly weakened the Moorish defences of Evora and allowed Alfonso to claim a relatively easy victory.

Evora further honours this folklore hero by placing an image of Giraldo Sem Pavor on the city’s coat of arms. The quiet disturbing emblem of Evora is of Giraldo riding a horse while severing the heads of a Moor (the man) and a Moorish agent (the women) with his blood stain sword.

The Fonte Henriquina Fountain

At the centre of the Praça do Giraldo is a water fountain that marked the original source of the aqueduct of silver water. The fonte Henriquina fountain dates from 1570 and has eight streams, each representing the eight streets which lead from the Praça do Giraldo.

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The best guide to Evora

Evora Portugal
Evora sights and things to do
Day trip to Evora
Capela dos Ossos
Lisbon to Evora
The Alentejo region
N2 Road
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Elvas Portugal
Lisbon portugal
sintra Portugal
Cascais Portugal
Obidos Portugal
Setubal Portugal
Tomar Portugal
Ericeira Portugal
Peniche Portugal
Berlengas islands
Evora Portugal
Evora sights and things to do
Day trip to Evora
Capela dos Ossos
Lisbon to Evora
The Alentejo region
N2 Road
Vila Nova de Milfontes
Elvas Portugal
Lisbon portugal
sintra Portugal
Cascais Portugal