Seminars and company events
Palácio Duques de Cadaval in Évora takes private events from a meeting in a medieval tower to a dinner for about 400 guests under a permanent tent, and receptions for more than 500 in its patio and cloisters. The palace stands in the historic center of Évora, opposite the Roman Temple, inside the area listed by UNESCO as World Heritage since 1986.
For companies, the house lists work meetings, conferences, company parties and product or brand launches. The connected halls on the noble floor, about 470 square meters, look out on the Roman Temple and allow a plenary session followed by a reception in the same building. Smaller groups can use the two medieval towers, 83 square meters in all, which the team sets up to the brief. Galas, concerts and art exhibitions are also part of the palace's program, so a launch can be staged with live music or among the current exhibition.
Weddings and receptions
Weddings, family celebrations and small ceremonies are a regular use. The Church of São João Evangelista, also known as the Igreja dos Lóios, is part of the palace and remains a private church with religious worship, which allows a religious ceremony on site for about 250 guests. The dinner then moves to the inner patio and its tent, and drinks to the cloisters.
Rooms and capacities
The church covers 462 square meters and takes about 250 people. The halls cover about 470 square meters, with layouts set for each event. The patio and cloisters, about 800 square meters, take more than 500 people and are the main outdoor option. The inner patio and tent cover about 812 square meters together, with a permanent tent of about 320 square meters for a dinner of around 400. The site also has a backstage area, a service area, a fully equipped kitchen and loading access for set-up and breakdown.
Catering
The in-house catering works with a group of partner suppliers on menus built for each event. Organisers may also bring an accredited caterer of their choice. The resident events team handles lighting, music, decoration and flowers, and works in partnership with Carlos Pissarra.
History and setting
The palace was built on the ruins of a Moorish castle and first carried the name Palácio da Torre das Cinco Quinas. Its architecture mixes Mudéjar, Gothic and Manueline features. Kings João II, João IV and João V stayed here, and the title of Duke of Cadaval was created on April 26, 1648. The family still lives in the palace. The church, founded in 1485, holds azulejo panels from 1711 by António de Oliveira, a crypt and family tombs. Part of the palace rooms open to visitors as a museum, with armor, paintings, furniture and porcelain.
Getting there
Évora is about 130 km east of Lisbon by motorway, and the city has a railway station with direct trains from Lisbon. Lisbon airport is the nearest international airport. The palace sits inside the walled old town, within walking distance of the central hotels.
