Praça do Giraldo

The masterful urban “hall” that is the Praça de Giraldo may have had a Muslim origin, when a musalla ( open-air prayer space) may have functioned here. However, as an urban reality integrated in the full development of the city of Évora, only in the 13th century do we find references to its specific existence: the great “Terreiro de Alconchel”, which at the end of the same century, was already called “Praça”. The daily market was held here, with part of the “arcades” still visible, some dating from the 14th century and consisting of the regularisation of the built space to provide a predominantly mercantile function. Entering the 15th century, the “Praça” or “Praça Grande”, as it appears in the documentation, would be the mirror of the city itself. In the following century, a profound urban reform changed its features, with the construction of the Paços Concelhios (where today we have the Bank of Portugal branch) and the renovation of the old chapel of Santo Antoninho, to make way for the Church of Santo Antão. However, the greatest work would be a fountain. “…Well deserves to be crowned…” Filipe II of Portugal exclaimed when, in 1619, he admired it. Its construction began in 1571, with full Baroque grammar, standing out for the persistent spouts, bronze frowns, which, being 8, metaphorize the 8 access streets to the Square. In 1869, Praça Grande was renamed Praça de Giraldo, in honour of Giraldo Sem Pavor, who reconquered Évora from the Muslims in 1165.

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Sinais Internacionais / Internacional Signs