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Évora Monte
Évora Monte is a short distance from Évora. Located at 400m altitude, in the westernmost part of the Serra D’Ossa. A quiet medieval village, undisturbed and serene. After strolling down its main road settle down and relax at “The Place” which offers, until 8:00 pm, light meals accompanied by one of the most beautiful views of the Alentejo plain.
Évora Monte was taken, in 1160, during the reign of D Afonso Henriques by Fearless Geraldo
To the castle’s outer walls, built by D. Dinis in 1306, towers were added to provide the castle with defensive means capable of integrating a “second line” in the border protection.
It was here that D. Joao IV erected the Common Barn to provide cereal reserves. It was also here, in 1834, in a modest house that the Convention of Évora Monte was signed, putting an end to the bloody civil war of 1828-34 between Absolutists and Liberals. This Convention acknowledged the victory of the Liberals, followers of D. Pedro IV, over the Absolutists, who sided with D. Miguel.
But what most distinguishes Évora Monte is its unique Castle, the Ducal Palace, with its 16th-century tower standing strong on a small hill
What to visit in Évora Monte
Ducal Palace of Évora Monte
After the violent earthquake in 1531 that shook and destroyed the castle and part of its outer walls, D. Jaime, Duque de Bragança and lord of the village, ordered the construction of the Tower or Ducal Palace of Évora Monte.
With a unique architecture in line with the bastilion palaces of the Renaissance era. Designed by the Arrudas brothers, the Paço de Évora Monte features aspects of a military bastion, insurmountable and majestic, a symbol of the power of the newly born House of Bragança. The knots, in stone, that embrace the building, reinforce the theme of the House of Bragança “After You, Us”, in which You is the king. (Note: There is dual significance in the Portuguese word “Nós”, meaning Knot and Us, therefore the symbol of a rope with a knot)
With an excellent location and a visibility of 60 kilometres, the castle denotes an austere and warlike style, with strategically positioned shooting gates, ready for any offence. However, the fate of such fortification was not put to test. It was never other than to receive the Dukes and their guests for hunting sprees
Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Our Lady of the Conception) also referred to as The Church of Santa Maria is located next to the Castle wall entrance, in the town of Évora Monte, near the Cemetery of the Combatentes (War Veterans).
Church of the Misericordia
At the back of the small garden, the Church of the Misericordia, from the 16th century, with a small porch that rests on marble columns, draws our attention on account of its simplicity.
On the other hand, its interior surprises us by the impressive profusion of tile panels alluding to the life of the Virgin Mary, the marriage of Esther and the decapitation of Holofernes.
Art
While strolling through these whitewashed houses, take notice of the façades that denote the architecture of the various civilizations that settled here during these 750 years.
The last addition: about 100 houses with the Alentejo features painted on the cobbled sidewalk. Artwork by the local artist Sensa Lopes. Enjoy, and why not take some time to visit her craft shop on Main Street.
Évora Monte is just 30km from Évora. It is a pleasant drive to this town and the easiest way to get there is by car.
For more information on how to get there, see map below.
Your perfect accommodation in Évora Monte
What to visit in Évora Monte? Our suggestions:
Casas de Santa Rita
This rural retreat offers rooms and self-catering apartments. The property resembles a family home: welcoming and very cosy. There are a lot of activities to choose from such as bike riding, donkey feeding, and wine tasting tours. There is also a swimming pool offering great views over the Alentejo hillsides
A glimpse of Évora Monte
