Praça do Giraldo, Central square in Évora, Portugal.
Praça do Giraldo is the main public square in Évora with a baroque fountain at its center that features eight water jets corresponding to the city's principal streets. The surrounding buildings house the Tourist Office beneath the arcades along with shops, cafes, and traditional businesses that serve both residents and visitors.
The square takes its name from Geraldo Geraldes, who liberated Évora from Moorish rule in 1167 and became the city's first governor. The fountain was constructed in the early 17th century under the influence of Spanish architecture during Philip III's reign.
Santo Antão Church overlooks the square from the 16th century onward and served as the spiritual heart of Évora for generations. The space continues to function as a gathering place where locals and visitors meet throughout the day.
The square is easy to reach and surrounded by arcades that provide shelter in all weather conditions. Seating areas and cafes in the surrounding buildings offer places to rest and observe the daily life around you.
The pavement of Praça do Giraldo displays traditional Portuguese mosaic patterns known as calceús that are a distinctive feature of urban spaces. These hand-crafted patterns reflect local artisanal traditions and reveal intricate details when examined more closely.
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