The palace was the site where Vasco da Gama received his command for the historic voyage to India in 1497.
The Galeria das Damas contains one of the oldest examples of Mudéjar tile work in the region.
The palace grounds were historically part of the sprawling Quinta Real de São Francisco.
The building was once used as a royal stage for theatrical performances and courtly receptions.
The present-day public garden includes fragments of the original palace walls and neo-Gothic structures.
The Royal Palace of Évora, also known as the Palácio de D. Manuel I, is located within the Jardim Público de Évora. The surviving structure, known as the Galeria das Damas, is the only remaining pavilion of the former royal residence. It showcases a distinctive blend of Manueline and Mudéjar architectural styles. During the 15th and 16th centuries, it served as a primary residence for Portuguese monarchs, including King Manuel I. The site functioned as a royal convent and palace complex before extensive historical demolition. Today, the surrounding public gardens feature romantic 19th-century landscaping and artificial ruins. The gallery itself often hosts temporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
The arched loggia of the Galeria das Damas facing the formal garden layout.
Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Jardim Público to see the 16th-century ruins.
Check the local municipal culture calendar to see if the gallery is hosting a free art exhibition during your visit.
Do not mistake the modern municipal building nearby for the historic royal gallery.
Closed on Mondays and some public holidays.
