Évora
[key], town, capital of Évora dist. and of Altro Alentejo, S
central Portugal. It is the commercial center of a fertile agricultural
area. Cork and textiles are produced and iron, copper, and marble are mined.
Called Ebora and Liberalitas Julia (after Julius Caesar) in Roman times, the
temple of Diana there is an impressive ruin. Évora was an episcopal
see early in the Christian era and later a center of trade under the Moors.
It was recovered by the Portuguese under Gerald the Fearless (Geraldo
Sem-Pavor) in 1166. After 1385 it was for many years the favorite seat of
the Portuguese court. The old cathedral (12th–13th cent.) is a fine
example of Romanesque style. The former Jesuit university (1559–1759)
now houses a high school. It is the site of the Univ. of Évora.
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