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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Where to eat
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

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.

Expect to pay between 15 to 25 euros per person.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Accommodation
-------------------------------------------------------------------
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.

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