Cathedral of Elvas Portugal – a Photo Essay

Cathedral of Elvas, Portugal has beautiful interiors but very modest exteriors. This religious monument was built in 1517 on the ruins of an old parish church of St. Maria. The construction was completed in 1537 and got elevated to status of Cathedral of Elvas in 1570.

The cathedral was empty when we entered, it was totally silent. The first and foremost which made an impression was a white dove in the ceiling. I kept taking pictures as I walked around and here is a photo essay from my visit.

Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

Ceiling of Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

Ceiling of Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

Another name for Elvas Cathedral is Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in the main square of the city of Elvas, Portugal.

The cathedral is worth a visit for its stunning baroque architectural style. Not to miss the beautiful chapel inside – the Chapel of the Apparition houses a statue of the Virgin Mary that is said to have been miraculously discovered in the 16th century.

Cathedral of Elvas Interior

Elvas Cathedral is well known for its impressive collection of sacred art and for its beautiful azulejo tile work. Another unique feature is a cistern beneath the altar. It measures 8 m deep and 7 m wide. The cistern was built in the 17th century to collect water from the nearby aqueduct to supply the city in case of siege.

Cathedral of Elvas Interior arches

Elvas Cathedral History

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption has a rich history spanning several centuries. The original cathedral on the site was built in the 12th century.  During the Portuguese Restoration War in the 17th century it was destroyed. The present cathedral was built in the 18th century, after the end of the war.

The construction of the cathedral began in 1756 and was completed in 1864.

main altar of Cathedral of Elvas

The main altar of Cathedral of Elvas

During the Peninsular War, the French army under Marshal Soult captured Elvas in 1809, and the cathedral was used as a military hospital. After the war, it took several decades to rebuild the cathedral.

Today Elvas Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and a cherished religious site for the people of Elvas and the surrounding area.

The ceiling in Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

The ceiling in Cathedral of Elvas Portugal

Ceiling details

Timings of Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption Portugal

Entry to Elvas Cathedral Portugal is Free.
Open everyday.
Summer: 10 AM to 1 PM, 3 PM to 6 PM.
Winter: 9.30 AM to 12.30 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM

Know more: Things to Do in Elvas Portugal

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