The courtyard of the University of Evora, Portugal

The University of Évora was the second university to be founded in Portugal. After the founding of the University of Coimbra in 1537, there was a need for another university to serve the south of the country. Running under the aegis of the Society of Jesus (also known as Jesuits) meant that the university was a target of the Marquis of Pombal's Jesuit oppression, being closed down permanently in 1779, and its masters either incarcerated or exiled. The spectacular building of the College of the Holy Spirit of the University of Évora is based on a quadrangular plan that surrounds a grandiose cloister, also known as Pátio dos Gerais.