Igreja de São Francisco (Church of St. Francis), Evora

The Church of St. Francis was originally built in the Gothic style with influences from the Manueline architectural movement. The construction of the Church of St. Francis spanned several decades, from 1475 to the 1550s. Its distinctive design was the creation of Martim Lourenço, who fashioned this grand edifice to replace a prior Romanesque church dating back to 1226.

The church's uniqueness becomes evident upon first glance, with a narthex adorned with captivating arcades that grace its front. This arcade, featuring seven arches of varying forms – semicircular, pointed, and horseshoe – showcases an intriguing fusion of Gothic and Moorish elements, reflecting the diverse influences that shaped Portugal's architectural heritage.

The exterior of the church boasts a battlemented façade crowned by conical and spiral-shaped spires, with an intricately carved Manueline entrance. This entrance carries emblematic symbols, including the pelican, the emblem of King João II, and the armillary, symbolizing King Manuel I.

The church's dimensions are truly impressive, measuring 36 meters in length, 34 meters in width, and 24 meters in height. The singular, groin-vaulted nave creates an expansive atmosphere, further enhanced by the application of white mortar on the walls and columns. Notably, this nave is the largest of its kind found in Portuguese churches. The soaring vault of the crossing, supported by ogival arches, adds to the grandeur of the interior space.