Colégio do Espírito Santo

Colégio do Espírito Santo

Guided tour of the Colégio do Espírito Santo (Espírito Santo College)

Évora, ecclesiastical metropolis and temporary Royal residence, emerged as the most suitable city for the implementation of the University in southern Portugal. Although the idea was originally conceived by King John III of Portugal, it was Cardinal D. Henrique who built the Kingdom's second university. Construction of the Colégio do Espírito Santo began in 1550. Concerned with education, Cardinal D. Henrique entrusted the space to the then recently founded Society of Jesus.  

Construction was still under way when the Cardinal requested authorisation from Rome to convert the college into a University. With the approval of Pope Paul IV, published in papal bull Cum a nobis  of April 1559, the new University was created, entitled to teach all subjects except Medicine, Civil Law and litigation in Canon Law.

The building was inaugurated on 1 November of the same year. The date is still celebrated today as the University’s anniversary, with the opening ceremony of the academic year.

CES, accessible and inclusive national monument

Financed by Turismo de Portugal, Colégio Espírito Santo is accessible by all and considers everyone's needs, offering guided tours with audio guides describing the rooms in four languages, Braille signs, lifts and wheelchair stairlifts.

Opening hours |  Colégio do Espírito Santo
9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Satarday
Closed on Sundays and public holidays

We call your attention to the fact that on Saturday May 27, 2023, the day of the Queima das Fitas of the University of Évora, it will only be possible to visit the building until 1pm.

Ticket Office

Colégio do Espírito Santo
Largo dos Colegiais 2, 7000-645 Évora
Tel. 266 740 800
E-mail: visitas@uevora.pt

Tickets

Admission | €3.00
Audio guides | €1.50  

Note: Times may change when required and without prior notice.