Cities
Portugal Évora Alentejo Church

Igreja de São João Evangelista

About

The Igreja de São João Evangelista, also known as the Church of the Loios, is one of Évora’s most captivating sacred spaces, blending noble history with exceptional artistic detail. Built in the early sixteenth century on the site of a former convent, the church forms part of the Cadaval Palace complex, giving it a unique connection to one of Portugal’s most prominent aristocratic families. Its interior is striking for its complete covering of seventeenth‑century azulejos, which depict biblical scenes with remarkable clarity and colour, creating an immersive visual narrative that surrounds visitors on all sides. The church also preserves elegant marble work, gilded altarpieces, and the serene atmosphere characteristic of Évora’s religious architecture. Though modest in size, it offers a rich encounter with Portuguese art and devotion, standing as a refined example of how history, faith, and noble patronage shaped the cultural identity of the city.

Évora Portugal
Igreja de São João Evangelista
Location

Igreja de São João Evangelista is located at Rua Augusto Filipe Simões in Évora’s UNESCO World Heritage historic centre, Portugal, facing the ancient Roman Temple of Diana (Templo de Diana) and connected to Cadaval Palace. Also known as Igreja dos Lóios, this Gothic-Mudéjar gem with striking 17th-century azulejo tiles stands amid atmospheric landmarks including Torre das Cinco Quinas, Jardim do Paço café terrace, Évora Public Garden, vibrant Praça do Giraldo square lined with shops and eateries, Évora Cathedral uphill, Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo, Rua 5 de Outubro’s boutiques, medieval lanes and the old town’s rich tapestry of historic sites perfect for exploration.

Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo Museum Frei Manuel do Cenáculo Museum Museu da Catedral - Arte Sacra Museu da Catedral - Arte Sacra Museum Museum of Crafts and Design – MADE Museum of Crafts and Design – MADE Museum Clock Museum – Pole Évora Clock Museum – Pole Évora Museum Museu da Misericórdia de Évora Museu da Misericórdia de Évora Museum Carriage Collection Carriage Collection Museum Casa do Montado – Évora Cork Museum Casa do Montado – Évora Cork Museum Museum Museu de Évora - Núcleo de Arte Sacra da Igreja das Mercês Museu de Évora - Núcleo de Arte Sacra da Igreja das Mercês Museum Casa da Balança - Núcleo Museológico de Metrologia Casa da Balança - Núcleo Museológico de Metrologia Museum Theatro Garcia de Rezende Theatro Garcia de Rezende Opera House Centro de Arte e Cultura - Fundação Eugénio de Almeida Centro de Arte e Cultura - Fundação Eugénio de Almeida Gallery Cadaval Palace Cadaval Palace Palace Sé Catedral de Santa Maria da Assunção Sé Catedral de Santa Maria da Assunção Cathedral Igreja de São Francisco Igreja de São Francisco Church Igreja do Espírito Santo Igreja do Espírito Santo Church Igreja da Misericórdia de Évora Igreja da Misericórdia de Évora Church Igreja da Graça Igreja da Graça Church Igreja de São Mamede Igreja de São Mamede Church Roman Temple of Évora Roman Temple of Évora Historical Landmark Aqueduto da Água de Prata Aqueduto da Água de Prata Historical Landmark Chafariz das Portas de Moura Chafariz das Portas de Moura Historical Landmark Caixa de Água da Rua Nova Caixa de Água da Rua Nova Historical Landmark Praça do Giraldo Praça do Giraldo Square Largo da Porta de Moura Largo da Porta de Moura Park Jardim Diana Jardim Diana Park