Praça do Giraldo

The Praça do Giraldo has seen some potent moments in Portuguese history, including the 1483 execution of Fernando, Duke of Bragança; the public burning of victims of the Inquisition in the 16th century; and fiery debates on agrarian reform in the 1970s. Nowadays the square is still the city focus, hosting less dramatic activities such as sitting in the sun and coffee drinking.

The narrow lanes to the southwest were once Évora's judiaria (Jewish quarter). To the northeast, Rua 5 de Outubro, climbing to the sé (cathedral), is lined by handsome townhouses wearing wrought-iron balconies, while side alleys pass beneath Moorish-style arches.