Évora - Largo das Portas de Moura

A route down the alleys leading southward from the university then westward along the Rua de Machede brings the visitor to the Largo das Portas de Moura, which owes much of its picturesque, quaint character to the Renaissance fountain (1556) in its center, with a globe looming over its marble basin as the symbol of the dawn of a new age.

On the south side of the square stands the Casa Cordovil, an elegant 16th century palace in Moorish and Manueline style, catching the eye with its loggia and four graceful pillars.

Opposite the Casa Cordovil a double flight of steps leads down into the forecourt of the early 17th century church of the former Carmo convent and bearing over its portal the bold motto of the Dukes of Bragança