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
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
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
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
Pin this for later
What a beautiful church!
Wonderful architecture.
Grand cathedral. And nice pictures, Indrani.
Stone cathedral witness to so much history. Beautifully taken.
Wonderfully done photo essay! Great captures Indrani Ji .
Looks divine. Old monuments have so much history steeped in their walls. Hence many stories.
Wow! This is a beautiful cathedral. Great pictures 🙂
1570… looks like it was built before I was born. It looks great nevertheless!
Simply splendid!
What a beautiful cathedral! Old bell towers have a special place in my heart 🙂 Makes me think of the hunchback of Notre Dame!
Awesome !
Nice shots Indrani. The Goan churches look exactly similar…Portuguese architecture influence
Amazing pics.
Awesome pictures. That white cathedral looks surreal.
Beautiful Pictures
Hello Indrani, what a beautiful cathedral. I love both the outside and the lovely inside. Wonderful series of photos, thanks for sharing your visit. Have a happy week!
I just love the Cathedral works, amazing post. Thank you for sharing Indrani :):)
Beautiful interior and the arched designs simple but looks elegant! But the exterior of the cathedral gives a look of under construction… but liked both the ways.
Nice presentation
Another church, cathedral, nice.
Very beautiful cathedral !
Very beautiful interiors!
Lovely narrative through the photos 🙂
Wonderfully done photo essay! Great captures:)
Portugal is certainly beautiful ! Love the scenic pics!
So pretty and beautiful!!
Nice pics with amazing symmetry..:-)
Gorgeous pictures…very beautiful post Indrani.
Such a beautiful Cathedral! The serenity and calm surrounding it are truly envious, and you`ve captured this so well in your photos! Loved the gorgeous interior
Great pictures Indrani. 🙂
What a lovely view of interiors.Thanks a lot for sharing.:)
Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
Seems quite an aesthetic and artistic place with gorgeous interiors. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Awesome pictures 🙂
that's a lovely cathedral…
Beautiful details and nice captures.
Beautiful Cathedral … The inside would be quite a surprise since it looks rather plain and not that huge from outside! Neat … Like finding a hidden treasure.
Amazing and beautiful!! Great captures as always, Indrani!! And, thanks as always for sharing!! Hope you have a great new week!!
Wonderful!
I'm so many times in Portugal and never visited this church.