Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
corner from cloister entry) has a child-sized statue of another pregnant Virgin Mary (mid-
way up wall on left) and the sarcophagi of four recent archbishops.
The
cathedral museum
has several highlights, including an intricate 14th-century,
French-made, puzzle-like ivory statue of Mary
(Virgem do Paraiso).
Her “insides” open
up to reveal the major events in her life. A photo below shows Mary folded up and ready
to travel. The museum has a good selection of crude 16th-century Alentejo paintings, an
extremely dramatic Rococo crucifix, and the sacred treasures of this church. The richest
in Alentejo, the treasures feature a sparkling reliquary with pieces of the supposed True
Cross (in a cross shape), heavily laden with more than a thousand true gems. The relic
rotates within its display case, brightly spotlighted to show off every facet.
CarriageMuseum(MuseudeCarruagens)
—The humble museum behind the cathedral
has a handful of old carriages, with a fun collection of paintings showing them in action.
CostandHours:
May be closed for renovation, otherwise free, Mon-Sat 10:00-12:30
& 14:30-18:00, closed Sun, English info sheets, Largo Doutor Mário Chico 4, tel.
266-743-712.
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Church of St. Francis and the Chapel of Bones
—This church dedicated to St.
Francis and its Chapel of Bones are located on the road to the train station, near the farm-
ers market and public gardens. To get to the church from the main square (Praça do Gir-
aldo), take the road to the left of the imposing Bank of Portugal. At the end of the arcade,
turn right on Rua da República. You'll see the church to your right just ahead.
