2005 © Oficina Virtual de Turismo
In 1551, sponsored by the Cardinal King D. Henrique, the University of Évora
was founded, under Jesuit direction. Seven years later, Pope Paulo IV, issued
the required papal bull for it. Here were taught courses of Theology,
Philosophy, Mathematics and Rhetoric. In Évora and Coimbra (in this city from
1537) resided the two Portuguese universities.
The university at Évora soon became a bastion of knowledge, despite the control
of the inquisition. Its purpose-built facilities were considered to be
exemplary, and better even than its Coimbra counterpart. Amongst its monuments
are: the Renaissance cloister with double galleries of the Tuscan order; the
Sala dos Actos, in baroque style; the historical styles alluding to classical
authors (Plato, Virgil, Aristotle, Archimedes); the Mannerist church of the
Holy Spirit; the 16th century chapel of Our Lady of the Conception;
and the old library.
Closed in the 18th Century, the University returned to the city in
1979. Then, as now it is a cultural focal point in a World Heritage city.
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