Evora (Portugal)

...never had to stay in Evora overnight as I lived in the region for many years. This is a small town that can be explored in one day, although it would be well worth to explore near by locations such as Monsaraz, with its white washed houses and medieval streets.

Around Evora you can also find megaliths from pre-historic times, whose symbolism remains a mystery.
If you wish to stay overnight there are a few hotels and manor ...
...giving it 4 stars because Evora is far inland and is not suited for all types of visitors. The shops are small but no one will come here for the shopping itself anyway. In the summer it might be unbearable to walk the streets.





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The historic city of Évora is located in the south of Portugal, in the region of Alto Alentejo. Évora has its origins in the Roman times and vestiges from that period can still be seen all over this beautiful walled town. In the Middle Ages, after many conflicts between Visigoths and the Moors, the city became an important centre for learning and the arts under Avis dynasty (1385-1580).
During Roman occupation Évora was called “Liberalitas Julia” and the most remarkable remaining of this era is the stunning “Temple of Diana”.
In 1986, UNESCO has recognized Évora’s international heritage value by declaring it a World Heritage City. This honoured title is in itself a promise to the visitor that the historic city of Évora has a lot to offer.
The region is predominantly agricultural and reminds me of Lincolnshire in the UK. Vast planes, small farms and fields of wheat that, against its UK counterpart, acquire a dull yellow tone during the hotter months. The summer is incredibly hot with temperatures that can rise up to 40ºC whereas the winter can be very rigorous, with temperatures as low as -1ºC at night.

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Places to see:
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São Francisco (better known as “The Bones Chapel”)

Perhaps one of the most macabre tourism spots I’ve ever seen. Dating from the 17th century the chapel – are you ready? – is covered with the bones of 5,000 monks! Among the bones from different body parts there are two corpses hanging on a chain, one belonging to an adult and one of a child.
At the entrance are the following words that translate: “We bones that are here await yours” (Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos).
The chapel is an annex to the São Francisco church and is open daily.

=Sé (Cathedral)=

Completed in the 13th century this cathedral is a mix of roman and gothic style. At the entrance you can see 14th century sculpted apostles, an 18th century altar and an ivory Virgin with a book like body that opens to tell her life in nine episodes, among other art treasures that will certainly appeal to the art lovers.

=Praça do Giraldo=

This is Évora main square, with cobbled streets and Moorish arcades. The square was named after “Giraldo Sem-Pavor” (the fearless) who threw out the Moors and gave the city to the Portuguese King Don Afonso Henriques.

This square is the city’s meeting point, hosting a plethora of small shops, cafés and restaurants. This same square once witnessed its share of blood-spattered events, such as the beheading of the Duke of Bragança and an Inquisitional burning.

Oh dear, I suppose you won’t take my recommendation to choose one of the restaurants in this square now, will you?

=Évora’s Museum=

Once the residence of governors and bishops this 16th century palace shelters a wealth of art ranging from paintings from the 15th and 16th century to Roman columns and modern art pieces, made from the famous local marble.
Temple of Diana (Roman Temple)

This temple is known as the Temple of Diana, although the name is incorrect and should be called simply “The Roman Temple”. This temple is believed to have been built in the 3rd Century when the Romans dominated the Iberian Peninsula. The truth is that it is not known who was the divinity worshiped in this temple.
The monument was partially destroyed in the 4th century. It is believed that this happened in connection with the persecution of paganism practices. It was later restored, in the 19th century, and it’s probably one of the most intriguing monuments in the Iberian Peninsula.

OBS: These are some of my suggestions should you decide to visit Évora, but it is important to note that the whole historic city is worth exploring. There are many churches, cobbled streets, the public garden, the old university; the water aqueduct from the 16th century…There is a lot going for the art lovers.
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Where to eat
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Yes, that gruesome square is the best spot but there are many cosy restaurants in side streets that serve excellent quality wine and food. Because the city caters for tourists but also for residents prices are cheaper than in the most popular tourist locations.

My recommendation is that regardless of your choice of restaurant, go for the “Pork with clams and coriander”. My English husband loved it. He was a weary first but it’s now one of his favourite Portuguese dishes.

As for drinks, request the famous Borba red wine. It goes down very well with the main course. But if you do not like red wine, ask for the famous Vinho Verde, a light sweet wine that is very refreshing indeed.

The Portuguese restaurants always serve bread, cheese and butter as starters. Unfortunately this is not free but it is a common practise that however questionable is very tasty and keeps you busy until the main meal is ready.

Expect to pay between 15 to 25 euros per person.
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Accommodation
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I never had to stay in Evora overnight as I lived in the region for many years. This is a small town that can be explored in one day, although it would be well worth to explore near by locations such as Monsaraz, with its white washed houses and medieval streets.

Around Evora you can also find megaliths from pre-historic times, whose symbolism remains a mystery.
If you wish to stay overnight there are a few hotels and manor houses where you can stay and explore the city at night. Évora is a University town therefore you can never be too far from a bar or club.

Watch out for historical guest houses as these are usually more expensive than the modern built hotels.

Everything whose name begins with Hotel and Residencial means cheaper accommodation – from around 40 euros to over 100 euros depending on the quality of the rooms. “Residencial” don’t usually offer high quality accommodation and are usually rated no more than 3 stars. This reflects on the prices that shouldn’t go over 50 Euros per night.
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If you wish to travel to Évora from Lisbon the bus service is fast (take the Expresso) but if you don’t want to rush to return it is better if you either rent-a-car or stay overnight and catch the bus back the next day. It should take you between 1.30-2hours to get to Évora from Lisbon by car.
If you are on holiday in the Algarve and decide to venture inland it is best if you drive. Although there are daily buses to Évora these are usually slow and it might take you up to 4 hours to get there.

Évora is an ideal spot for the cultural tourist, who likes to explore and acquire new knowledge while on holiday. Unless you would like to study the origin and the art of the city, a trip of two days or less is suffice to take in the atmosphere of this quirky town.

Note: I'm giving it 4 stars because Evora is far inland and is not suited for all types of visitors. The shops are small but no one will come here for the shopping itself anyway. In the summer it might be unbearable to walk the streets.

 

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