Many kings chose Évora as a temporary residence. But the city also had permanent residents who needed municipal authorities to govern their daily lives. The earliest seat of the local administration was near the cathedral, but in the 16th century, King Manuel I ordered the authorities to establish a new town hall in Praça do Giraldo. By 1881, it was clear that the building was no longer suitable, so the city’s political administration moved to the Palácio dos Martins da Silveira in Praça do Sertório. The Palácio was an aristocratic mansion with patios, fountains, stables, and a winery. It was an impressive setting but not entirely suitable for the municipal needs, so in 1908 there was an extensive renovation that added the metallic roof, the grand staircase, and the spacious lobby that still impresses visitors.