The Roman Temple is a symbol of Évora and its Roman occupation. Also known as Temple of Diana, the Roman Hunting Goddess

Built in the 1st century AD, it still preserves its 14 columns and its capitals of Estremoz marble, to pay tribute to Emperor Augustus. It would have been part of what was the Roman forum.

The Roman Temple was partially destroyed by the barbarian invasion and subject to various renovations. It was also used as a fortress to the Évora Castle and later, as a slaughterhouse.

The Ducal Palace of Cadaval was founded in the 14th century over the ruins of a Moorish Castle.

It has since then belonged to the Cadaval Family, presenting a combination of styles of Mudejar, Manueline and Gothic architecture.

The Palace’s Church of S. Joao Evangelista, also known as Lóios Church, for having been part of the Convent of the Order of Santo Elói. Lóios for the Portuguese misinterpretation of the word Eloi. It is considered as one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. With one of the best 18th century tile collections depicting scenes from the life of the patriarch of Venice D Justiniano Lourenço, founder of the Order of Saint Elói

On the floor ́s Church there are several tombs of the Dukes of Cadaval and their ancestors; the friars’ crypt and an Arab cistern, that remained from the old Moorish Castle, destroyed during the revolt, in favour of the Master of Avis, in 1834

Évora Cathedral, its correct name is Basílica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção (Basilica Sé of Our Lady of the Assumption)

Founded in the early 12th century, this is the largest medieval cathedral in the country. A fortress-like structure, shaped in granite in the gothic and romantic style.

Distinguished by its two asymmetrical towers and the 12 figures representing the apostles. It underwent several alterations throughout the years: During the 15th and 16th century, the choir, the pulpit, the baptistery and the arch of the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy or “Capela do Esporão”, were added

In the 18th century, at the request of Dom João V, the main chapel was designed by Ludovice, the same architect of the Mafra Convent, using Estremoz marble to enhance the painting of Our Lady of the Assumption, placed underneath a magnificent crucifix.

D Dinis contributed with the tower-lantern, crowned by a needle elaborated in stone scales, and that has become the ex-libris of this Cathedral.

Inside Évora Cathedral you will find the only statue of Nossa Senhora do Ó, in Portugal. This image represents Our Lady in the last days of her pregnancy. In the 15th century, by order of the Council of Trent, such statues and paintings existing in Portugal had to be removed, re-painted or remade

The University of Évora was the second university founded in Portugal.

The first being the University of Coimbra in 1537

Évora, an ecclesiastical metropolis and a temporary residence of the Court, emerged as the most suitable city to receive a university

It was founded by Cardinal Infante D. Henrique in 1559 as the University of the Holy Spirit and entrusted to the Companhia de Jesus who directed it for two centuries. In 1759 it was closed by order of Marquês do Pombal, and the Jesuits expelled.

Of note, is the imposing Renaissance cloister and the auditorium.

The Praça do Giraldo is the main square of the city and the heart of Évora.

It is easily recognized by its fountain, in white marble, topped by a bronze crown. The eight spouts that decorate it correspond to the eight streets leading to the square.

Around its fountain, you will find cafes with outside seating, shops and the Church of Santo Antão.

Nothing, in this pleasant and sunny square, will make you suppose the terrible historical events that once occurred here.

D. João II ordered the execution D. Fernando, Duke of Braganza, on suspicion of conspiring with the Spanish. The Duke of Braganza was tried in Évora, sentenced to death and executed on June 20, 1483. D Manuel I, would later annul this process, in 1500, and return the lands and titles to his son, D. Jaime.

It was also the stage of the” Autos de Fé” practised by the Inquisition. The present building of the Banco de Portugal, at the end the square, was once occupied by the Inquisition. Here public trials and burning of the inquisition victims were held. Over the course of 200 years, twenty-two thousand people were convicted.

Café Arcada is an institution in Évora.

Located in Giraldo Square, it dates back to 1942. Reported, at the time, in the local newspaper as “considered one of the best in the country, with more than 100 tables, with a refrigerator and other modern innovations”. It continues on to exalt the revolving door, still present today, despite the renovations made by its new owners.

It was the first of its kind to allow the frequency of ladies, albeit accompanied by their husbands. An orchestra played, the dishes were from the renowned Portuguese factory of Vista Alegre. There was a tobacconist, attended by a bonnie lady and a manicure for the more select clients.

The regional sweets, especially the Queijadas de Évora, continuous to bring the locals to the Café Arcada and for which they will always have a soft spot, despite its lost glamour.

The Igreja da Graça (Church of Grace) was built in the 18th century. During the reign of D. João III, a project of the architect Miguel de Arruda

In its facade of Palladian influence, the immense Atlanteans stand out, seated figures made of granite, holding iron spears, leaning against an atlas, which the Eborians call “the Children of Grace.” They symbolize the four parts of the World and the universal power of D. João III

There are those who wonder how such figures, more pagan than religious, survived the period of inquisition, very active in Evora. The Atlanteans were mythical, giant figures who had lived in Atlantis 18 million years ago, promoters of science, religion, art and magic. This stonework is attributed to the sculptor Nicolau de Chanterenne, as well as the window frames of the main altar crafted in Estremoz marble

The convent, next to the church, now houses the Officers’ quarters

Known as the Golden Convent for all its magnificence

The first Franciscans that settled here, arrived in Évora in 1224, from Galicia. The only traces that remain of this initial convent are the Gothic Church and part of the cloister.

The Kings’ intention of having their Palace in Évora, on the land that belonged to the Convent was negotiated as such that they would build a new convent over the old one. And the friars would hand over part of their land to have the Paço de Évora built upon.

Works on the new convent began with D Afonso V, followed by D. João I. However it was with D. Manuel I that they achieved their architectural and artistic magnificence. It was elevated to the category of Royal Chapel, becoming known as the “Golden Convent” such was the wealth with which the Royal Family decorated it.

Over the church’s Manueline portal, the banners of the kings who had it built: D. João II and D. Manuel I, respectively the pelican and the armillary sphere.

At the end of the 16th century, the Ordem Terceira da Penitência de S. Francisco added to one of the church’s transepts a harmonious decoration of stone, carving and tile

During the Spanish Filipine Dynasty, the Palace was abandoned, resulting in a loss of splendour and opulence, not only to the palace but to the convent as well.

Three Franciscan friars built the peculiar Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) for their congregation to reflect on the ephemerality of human life.

The extinction of religious orders in 1834 dictated the rapid decline of the convent building.

In 1892 a large part of the ruined convent was sold by public auction to Francisco Barahona, who ordered the reconstruction of the existing houses and generously collaborated in the restoration of the Church and the Capela dos Ossos

This intriguing chapel is part of the Convent of S. Francisco.

It is in all tourist guides that referer what to visit in Évora, for its bizarre nature

Built in the 17th century, by the Franciscan monks, with the intention of provoking, by imagery, the reflection on the transience of human life and the consequent commitment to the Christian way.

The chapel’s pillars and walls are completely covered with bones from 42 monastic cemeteries of the Évora region. It is estimated that about 5,000 bones have been used, including skulls, vertebrae, and femurs

Under the archway, the phrase reads: “We who are here, await you.”

From the Palace of D. Manuel, also known as the Royal Palace of S Francisco for it occupied the space that was formerly the vegetable garden of the Convento de S. Francisco, there remains only the Ladies’ Gallery, which was built by D Manuel I.

It was erected in 1468 by D.Afonso V, who wished to have, in Évora, a Royal Palace beyond the castle to settle in

Several were the monarchs who remodelled and extended this palace, to the despair of the Franciscan friars who saw their lands being increasingly appropriated. All for the comfort of the kings and their court, who were now spending long periods of time here.

This palace was one of the most remarkable buildings in the kingdom. Of note was the Renaissance cloister, the Queen’s room, the refectory and the royal library, one of the first of its kind in the country, now all gone

The Palace was the stage for Gil Vicente’s six plays and it was here that Vasco da Gama was invested by D. Manuel I with the post of Commander of the Indian Fleet

During the Reign of the Spanish king D Filipe II, the Palace was abandoned, entering a process of decline

Built on the grounds of the Palace of D. Manuel, the Évora’s Public Garden offers the city a cool corner to rest and socialize.

With about 3 acres this garden of shady trees and colourful flower beds invites you to take a rest from the hot sun or wander down its paths and admire the 19th century fake ruins. Built according to the romantic fashion of the time, recycling building materials and features collected from various existing ruins in the city.

It also has a small lake, a gazebo, peacocks and a kiosk that provides light meals.

The Àgua da Prata Aqueduct begins in the north of Évora in the Fontes do Divor and has an extension of about 19km. A masterpiece of the local architect Francisco Arruda. Built between the years 1533 and 1537, during the reign of D. João III, on a Roman aqueduct which archaeological vestiges still remain today.

It was on the 29th of March, “wash feet Thursday” (Holy Thursday) that the water ran for the first time in the current Giraldo Square.

In Évora, around the Church Square of S Francisco, you can find a series of restaurants which serve typical Alentejo food such as lamb stew, pig’s trotters with coriander sauce, açorda, gazpacho (cold tomato soup with garlic and cucumber), migas with pork the famous dogfish soup

Much appreciated and renowned are the cheeses from the three producing regions – Nisa, Serpa and Évora. These are sheep’s or goat’s cheeses, which may be dry, half cured or creamy,

They go extremely well with the wines from the Alentejo demarcated region, such as the reds from Portalegre, Borba, Redondo, Reguengos, Vidigueira and Moura.

What to visit in Évora, apart from monuments? The fresh produce markets. The farmers continue to breed their chicken in the open fields. They produce organically and are biological farmers even before the term existed

Feira de S João (St. John’s Fair)  The annual Fair of S. João has more than 500 years of tradition. During the last 10 days of June, it takes over the city. Installed in Rossio de S. Brás, in Évora, this fair began to be the meeting point for farmers and cattle breeders. Today it counts with handicraft and food stalls, carousels, concerts and a bullfight

The monthly fair is held in Rossio every second Tuesday of the month.

The market (closed on Mondays) is located in Plaza 1 de Maio. Here you can see and try the local products

Évora’s coat of arms represents Geraldo Geraldes mounted on horseback, wielding his sword and at his feet the severed head of the Moor and his daughter. His first victims in the Évora attack to seize the keys of the city

Geraldo Geraldes, better known as Fearless Geraldo, is a legendary character of the 12th century responsible for the conquest of several territories during the formation of the Portuguese borders

It is believed that he was a nobleman from the north of Portugal, who tried his luck in lands farther south. What is known for sure is that he spent some time in al-Andalus where he learned and mastered the Arabic language and became acquainted with Muslim military tactics. Very useful qualifications for his new career, in which he led a group of outlaws and adventurers in the conquest of several territories to the south, still under the Moorish rule.

His tactics were typically guerrilla, with hand to hand combat, in the dead of night resorting to the use of ropes or ladders. He would attack with a murderous fury and  plunder and pillage the places taken, handing them over, in return of certain benefits, to D Afonso Henriques

Thus was conquered Beja (1162), Trujillo (April 1165), Évora (September 1165) and Cáceres (December 1165). The following year, Montánchez fell in March and the following month Serpa and Juromenha, where he established his headquarters. In 1167 Fearless Geraldo conquered Monsaraz

The city of Évora, although much coveted by D Afonso Henriques was still to be conquered. This caused Geraldo to try his luck and so better his position before the king. On a moonless night, Fearless Geraldo climbed up to the tower that was being guarded by a Moor and his daughter while they slept. Without mercy, he severed their heads and seized the keys to the city. His men, already mobilized, attacked the sleeping city which, caught by surprise, was unable to reciprocate and succumbed. Fearless Gerald gave the city of Evora to D Afonso Henriques, who in recognition appointed him Alcaide (Mayor) of the city.

And this is why you may stumble upon various craved stones images of a rider with 2 severed heads. It is none other than  Fearless Geraldo. The Portuguese version of Robin Hood

Besides knowing what to visit in Évora, you may also like to know what moulded this city, its inhabitants, its history and why it is so

The Roman conquest of the Iberian Peninsula began between 208 and 201 BC, but only in 60 BC did Julius Caesar conquer Évora from the Lusitanians. A city coveted for its strategic points: at the confluence of 3 river basins and the intersection of several military roads.

Caesar arrived in the Iberian Peninsula with a massive debt associated with his name and the divorce scandal of his second wife. He marched with more than 30,000 men onto Lusitania not intending to conquer but to loot. He went to the river Douro (River of Gold) and took possession of the gold ingots from the mines that were already in operation. These riches were then distributed: ⅓ to Rome, ⅓ to the soldiers and ⅓ to Caesar. To the south, in the Alentejo, he explored under the name of his new wife, Juliana, gold mines. Legionaries who protected the roads through which gold was transported acquired the right to work the copper mines and take possession of the land to plant olive trees, vines and cereals. Many ended up marrying and staying. On the other hand, Julius Caesar, two years after his arrival, returns to Rome not only with all his debts settled but also with sufficient funds to guarantee his future.

Vestiges of the Roman presence, in Évora, can be found in the Roman Temple, the Roman roads, the D. Isabel arch, and in parts of the new aqueduct, built upon the former roman one. It was also the Romans who introduced the pottery; an art still in vogue.

With the fall of the Roman Empire in 410, Évora was eventually occupied by Visigoths entering a period of cultural decline

It resumed its splendour and growth in 714 when the Muslims took over the city. A new concept of urbanisation emerges, with narrower and winding streets. The houses, now with terraces and interior courtyards, overflow the constricting castle walls. Agriculture develops, and Évora becomes a commercial centre

In 1165 Fearless Geraldo, conquered the city from the Moors and handed it over to D. Afonso Henriques, who converted it into an important strategic and political centre. Here D Afonso Henriques established the Military Order of S. Bento de Calatrava, now Order of Avis

Due to the city’s growing prominence, the court spent longer periods in Évora, espcially during the reigns of D. Afonso III, D. Dinis, D. Afonso IV, D. Pedro I, D. Fernando, D. Afonso V, D. Manuel and D. João III, further stimulating its grandness.

These chain of events and the inhabitants that passed through Évora, leaving their architecture, their customs and their history is unveiled in every step taken in this museum city, classified as Cultural Patrimony of Humanity by Unesco

Well worth a visit and specialy now that you know what to visit in Évora and have aquired an insiders knowledge

In Lavre, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, Évora district, Monte Selvagem is a space with 20 ha that houses 60 species in a total of about 350 animals. A leisure park with an interesting pedagogical project to be discovered.

It is open to the public for 9 months of the year, from February to October.

Monte Selvagem – Monte do Azinhal, Lavre 7050 Montemor-o-Novo

Telephone – 265 894377

Fax – 265 847188

e-mail – geral@monteselvagem.pt

Credit: Cartuxa

The Alentejo wines have won several prizes. Be sure to make the most of the your stay in Évora by visiting one of the many cellares available. 

Quinta de Valbom is 2 km from the historical centre of Évora and 200 meters from the Monastery of Cartuxa that inspired its name, Cartuxa Enotourism. The wine tourism operates in the former property were the Jesuits, that lectured in the Évora University, where installed.

In 1759 by order of the Marquis of Pombal the Jesuit where expelled, and the property came to belong to the State. Some years later, in 1776, it began operating as a wine press and absorbed much of the regions wine production.

In the 19th century, it was acquired by the Eugénio de Almeida family. In the mid-twentieth, the convent inside the property was restored and returned to its monks, who remain there to this day.

It is possible to visit the wine tourism of Quinta de Valbom, by prior reservation. The tours are guided and end with a wine and olive oil tasting. They last approximately 1: 30h.
enoturismo.cartuxa@fea.pt
Tel: (+351) 266 748 383

Credit: Cartuxa

One of the various restaurant projects of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation it is located in the Paço de S Miguel, once part of the Old Castle of Évora. It serves light meals and snacks accompanied by house wines.

Inside the Páteo de S. Miguel, it has a very pleasant outdoor terrace with a view over the Alentejo plain. A peaceful and quiet place, ideal for refreshing and tempering energies

Credit: Cartuxa

In the centre of Évora, very close to the Évora Cathedral. It serves meals in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, inspired by its wineries.

Here you may taste the Portuguese sausages – the chouriço, olive oil, sweets and wines of the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation. If you like them, you may purchase some at their store