Évora,-Discover the Heart of Alentejo

As the sun rises on another day of adventure, we find ourselves drawn to a new destination- the captivating city of Évora.

We visit early to help you avoid crowds.

 

Évora, a gem in Portugal’s Alentejo region, stands out for its well-preserved historic architecture, charming cobbled streets, and rich history dating back to Roman times. This unique blend of features makes it a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. 

 

Évora is located 130 km east of Lisbon and not too far from the Spain border.

Opting for a car journey to Évora provided a hassle-free experience. It allowed us to soak in the picturesque beauty of the Alentejo countryside leisurely. This convenience and flexibility are perfect for those who want to make the most of their journey.

 

Our travel experience is perfect for a hassle-free journey, and we would like to see some attractions.

The drive is not just straightforward; it’s a breeze, taking about 2 hours.

*You may choose the train (via Lisbon), but it will take about 1.5 to 2 hours with all the transfers.

*By Bus (via Lisbon): Around 2.5 to 3 hours, including transfer time.

As we approached the towering medieval city wall, its grandeur left us in awe. The wall, adorned with four gates and 40 turrets, was a testament to Evora’s rich history.

You can see the aqueduct both inside and outside the city walls. You can drive under it!  

Rebuilt in 1537, the Old Roman Aqueduct is impressive and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We strolled along its outer perimeter until we finally spotted an entrance and ventured into the street of Evora.Evora-Portugal-Aquaduc

Our leisurely walk through the medieval streets of Evora was a delightful experience. With its authentic medieval vibe, the town exudes a sense of calm and relaxation.

 

Head just outside the Evora city walls for another impressive sightseeing opportunity. The Evora Aqueduct (Aqueduct of Silver Water ) is a piece of architecture.

-Praça do Giraldo – Giraldo Square

We walked until we found the central Giraldo’s Square Of Évora (Praça do Giraldo), surrounded by cafes, shops, and historical buildings. It’s a great place to relax, enjoy local pastries, and soak in the atmosphere.

 

The 13th-century square is named after Geraldo sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless), a knight who retook several towns in the Alentejo region during the Christian reconquest.

The rectangular square is paved with traditional calçada Portuguese geometric patterns and surrounded by buildings with matching stone façades, tall windows, and small wrought-iron balconies.

 

One of the most important buildings of Praça do Giraldo is Igreja de Santo Antão. Still, other buildings are also worth mentioning, such as the 16th-century agency of Banco de Portugal (Portugal’s Central Bank) directly opposite the church and the tourism office on the western side.

-Cathedral of Evora

The Cathedral of Evora is another Roman Catholic Church and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built between 1186 and 1204, it is one of the oldest churches in this area and the most enormous medieval cathedral in Portugal. It is another beautiful church with fantastic architecture and an elaborate interior. 

 

This cathedral is an impressive mix of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. This cathedral features a remarkable blend of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. What is amazing about the Cathedral of Evora is you can access the rooftop and see the tremendous views from there. 

To access the rooftop, you do have to pay a small fee. 

-Roman Temple

Once you exit the cathedral, turn right toward Largo do Conde de Vila Flor. Here, you will see one of the finest symbols of Roman presence. Although it is in ruins, seeing this Roman Temple, known as the Temple of Diana, standing proudly in the town is a unique and fascinating experience. It evokes an ancient connection to the goddess, whom it was believed to have been built to honour.Roman Temple In Evora

 

One of the best-preserved Roman structures in Portugal, the Roman Temple of Évora stands as a testament to the dedication and care that went into its preservation. Despite being centuries-old, the temple’s intricate carvings and precision construction are marvellous.

 

The Roman temple, a stark contrast to the modern buildings surrounding it, is a testament to the rich history of Évora. It is surrounded by many other significant buildings, such as the public library, Igreja dos Lóios, and the National Museum of Friar Manuel do Cenáculo.

-Capela dos Ossos

Imagine a chapel unlike any other, its walls lined with human bones and skulls. It’s a unique and slightly eerie sight that offers a fascinating glimpse into the local history and religious traditions.

Despite the intriguing exterior, I chose not to go inside.

 

Although seeing human bones and skulls was not my preferred site, I can imagine it would be a unique experience for those interested in such historical and religious artifacts.

-Palácio de Dom Manuel

Discover a palace with genuinely unique architecture and stunning gardens. It’s a hidden gem, perfect for a stroll and a journey of architectural exploration.

The palace remains in Jardim Público de Évora —Evora Public Garden. 

 

Despite the losses due to neglect and natural disasters, such as earthquakes, the remnants of this palace stand as a testament to its grandeur in days past, connecting us to a rich historical narrative.

 

Now part of the Parque Infante Dom Pedro public park, remnants of the Palácio de Dom Manuel, including the Gallery das Damas, are open for exploration anytime and welcome visitors with no entrance fee.

Walking Around

Évora’s narrow streets are not just pathways; they hide many pretty corners and public squares, each with a unique charm. The city is small enough to wander and get lost without worrying about losing your bearings, adding an element of excitement to your exploration.

Travel Tips for Évora

Best Time to Visit:

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer mild temperatures, while summer can be hot.

The weather changes hour after hour, and it is never the same throughout the day, especially at the beginning of October.

 

Getting Around:

While Évora is compact and easy to explore on foot, local buses and taxis are available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk. However, with the city’s pedestrian-friendly layout, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to see most of the town on foot.

Wear comfortable walking shoes for the cobblestone streets.

**Wear Comfortable Footwear: With cobblestone streets throughout, comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the hidden gems of Évora.

 

Local Cuisine:

Évora is known for its traditional Alentejo dishes such as “açorda” (a bread-based soup) and “porco preto” (black pork).

Don’t forget to pair your meal with some renowned Alentejo olive oil and wine.

**Most restaurants’ menus are in Portuguese, so having a translator app on your phone can be incredibly helpful in understanding and ordering local dishes.

 

Shopping

We had time to shop in the medieval streets of Evora and found many Portuguese products.

 

In addition, the prices were quite reasonable. We enjoyed looking at the various cork items. Evora is famous for its cork trees. It is impressive how many items are made from cork. It is almost like leather, so we saw bags, hats, belts, wallets, and even shoes made from cork.

 

**I suggest buying cork products made in Portugal, not China. They are a bit more expensive, but you get the real thing.

More Destinations

2 Responses

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *