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Square · Elvas, Portalegre
Praça da República e antiga Sé
Elvas’s main square, with geometric-patterned paving, the former cathedral (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção) from the 16th century, and the old paço do concelho. It is the starting point for the historic center.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Praça da República e antiga Sé
Praça da República is the center of Elvas, inside the city walls. The ground is covered with Portuguese pavement in a black-and-white geometric pattern, and historic buildings surround it, such as the former paço do concelho, now a cultural space, and the posto de turismo, where you pick up the city map.
At the top of the square stands the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, the former Sé de Elvas, which served as a cathedral while the city had a bishop, until the 19th century. The church began to be built in the early 16th century in the Manueline style and was renovated in later centuries. Inside it houses azulejos and side chapels.
Narrow streets lead out from the square toward the castelo, the Largo de Santa Clara and the gates in the walls. Nearby are the Chafariz da Misericórdia, where the aqueduct’s water arrived, and the Igreja da Misericórdia.
At night the square is the city’s meeting point, with cafés and restaurants serving Alentejo cuisine on the surrounding streets.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 30 minutes to the square and the former Sé.
Best time
In the morning, to start a walk through the centre, or early in the evening when the square is lit.
How to get there
It is in the centre of the old town, inside the walls. Those arriving by car usually park by the gates and continue on foot.
Tip
Pick up the map at the posto de turismo on the square before you start: the old town’s streets are narrow and full of hills.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Praça da República e antiga Sé
Does Elvas have a cathedral?
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção was the Sé de Elvas while the city had a bishop, until the 19th century. Today it is the parish church, on Praça da República.
What is around Praça da República?
The old Sé, the old paço do concelho, the tourist office, cafés and the streets that go up to the castle.
What period is the old Sé from?
It began to be built at the beginning of the 16th century, in the Manueline style, and was renovated in the following centuries.