Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval | Evora

Information

Landmark: Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval
City: Evora
Country: Portugal
Continent: Europe

Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, Evora, Portugal, Europe

The Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval (Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval) is a historic residence and national monument located in Évora's UNESCO-listed center. Since its founding in the 14th century, the estate has remained in the possession of the Cadaval family.

Visual Characteristics

The palace exhibits a combination of Mudéjar, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural elements. Its exterior is defined by the Five-Cornered Tower (Torre das Cinco Quinas), a distinctive remnant of the city's medieval defensive walls. The interior features expansive halls decorated with 17th-century Azulejo tiles and a private courtyard.

Location & Access Logistics

The palace is situated at Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, directly opposite the Roman Temple of Évora. It is a 12-minute walk from Giraldo Square. Entrance to the palace and the integrated Church of St. John the Evangelist requires a paid ticket. Operating hours are Wednesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The palace was built on the ruins of a Moorish castle and was granted to Martim Afonso de Melo, the first Governor of Évora, by King João I in 1394. It served as a royal residence for several Portuguese monarchs. The structure is integrated into the city's granite-based urban fabric, utilizing local stone for its fortifications and towers.

Key Highlights & Activities

Igreja dos Lóios (St. John the Evangelist): The family pantheon, famous for its walls entirely covered in 18th-century blue and white tiles by António de Oliveira Bernardes.

The Pentagonal Tower: A rare example of 14th-century military architecture that offers a view of the Roman ruins.

The Archives: Contains one of the most important private family archives in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century.

Dining: The palace houses the "Restaurante Cozinha de Santo Humberto," offering traditional Alentejo cuisine.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site includes a ticket office, a shop, and public restrooms. 5G cellular coverage is consistent in the surrounding square. Accessibility for individuals with mobility impairments is limited in the tower but available in the church and ground-floor galleries.

Best Time to Visit

Mid-morning (10:00–11:30) is recommended to view the natural light illuminating the Azulejos in the church. Afternoon visits provide better photography angles for the palace facade and the Five-Cornered Tower against the Alentejo sky.

Facts & Legends

The palace was the site of the imprisonment and subsequent execution of the Duke of Braganza in 1483 for conspiracy against King João II. A verified historical fact: the palace is one of the few noble residences in Portugal that has never been sold or transferred outside the founding family line.