Places to see in Evora, Alentejo

What better way is there to understand a city, than exploring its deepest cultural gems?
Évora is one of the most distinguished and respectable cultural centers in the country, and not only. Don’t let the small dimension of the city fool you. Remember that sometimes the best things come in small packages.

One of the sites most people are usually curious about is the ancient Roman Temple located in the historical heart of town, also referred to as Temple of Diana. The temple has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and is one of the most ancient and amazingly well preserved landmark in all of Portugal since the 1st Century AD. After surviving a number of obstacles through history, such as its use for execution during the Inquisition, and its resistance to the great earthquake in 1755, the temple still possesses 14 of its original Corinthian columns.

The Gothic and Manueline architecturally influenced Church of St. Francis is indeed a pearl of its own. The space so elegantly occupied by golden altars and painted blue tiles,  will eventually lead you to the most relevant section of the church, the Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones).

As you walk into the Capela dos Ossos you will quickly understand why this is one of the most impressive monuments in Évora. As you pass through the main arch at the entrance, you will find a painted phrase that will send a chill down your spine. “Our bones that lay here, await yours”. The entire chapel is covered with about 5.000 human bones and skulls, and was built by Franciscan monks during the Catholic revival era (best known as the Counter-Reformation period). The message behind this was to make one contemplate the brevity of life.

The city’s main square named Praça do Giraldo (Plaza of Giraldo), is located right in the heart of the city. Here, you will probably get to know a more dynamic and commercial side of Évora. Street vendors and performers are not strangers to the square either. Underneath the ancient moorish arcades in the Praça do Giraldo, you will be able to find a few coffee shops and stores. You can also see the 16th Century St. Anton’s Church and the popular Henriquina Fountain, considered a national monument since 1910.

The Sé Catedral de Évora (Évora Cathedral) is by far, the most dominating site in the whole town and the largest cathedral in Portugal. Approximate to the Roman Temple, the Évora Cathedral founded in 1186 by Bishop D. Paio, (however, believed to have only  been fully developed during the 13th Century) is another vestige of Roman presence, although the cathedral is clearly an example of Gothic influenced architecture. Inside, you may enter the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (also known as Chapel of Esporão), and observe the fine decoration representative of the Renaissance movement.

Not far from the city’s centre, make sure that you see the exceptional Almendres Cromlech. This megalithic site was originally made up of over one hundred monoliths. Yet, it is still recognized as the largest group of menhirs (standing stones) in the Iberian Peninsula, and one of the largest in all of Europe. Currently, you could encounter 92 different menhirs of different proportions at the site. It has been said that this monument was a product of religious and astronomical purposes, long ago.

Getting to know the gastronomy is always one of the best and most pleasant ways to get in touch with a city’s culture and ways. A restaurant you must try is the Restaurante Cervejaria Fialho, the most renown restaurant in the area. Aside from their delicious specialties like wild boar tenderloins with apple puree, pork loin with clams, and oven baked lamb, the restaurant has received several medals and distinctions due to their quality and service. Also, be sure to book a tour date to visit one of Portugal’s main winery estates, Herdade do Esporão, approximately one hour away (by car).

There are so many other options for you to choose from while getting to know Évora, such as the Palácio de D. Manuel  (D. Manuel Palace), Convento dos Lóios (The Lóios Convent), and the Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval (The Dukes of Cadaval Palace). In order to explore the city and all its landmarks, 2-3 days will be the ideal time for your stay. By the end of your trip, you will be able to hear the gentle whispers of Évora’s past, as you walk through its story-telling streets.