Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Portugal's Alentejo region, is full of history, charming streets, and incredible food. It's about 3 1/2 hours from Faro and about 2 hours from Lisbon the capital (about 120 kilometers). Located inland on a hill, you can see cork trees (a lot of them specially if you are traveling from Faro) and you can also see olive trees and vineyards.
Originally known as Ebora, the roman commander Quintus Sertorius had his headquarters there from 80 to 72 BC. It was an important Roman military center for a long time. Later it was called Liberalitas Julia because of certain municipar priviledges given by Julius Ceaser. Between 711 and 1492, the city was rules by the muslims. The Moors ruled Évora until 1166 when Christian Knight Geralso Sempavor took over. During the golden years 'Renaissance", the town was favored by the Portuguese royalty. The city flourished as one of the most significant cities in the Kingdom of Portugal during the middle ages. The royal family lived here for a very long time and many important decisions were made here. Specially during the AvisDynasty (1385-1580).
You can see in the town a variety of architectural styles in many buildings like roman, gothic, manueline, mannerist, and baroque. You can see this influence in narrow streets as well and squares in the city.
If you travel in the morning to Évora, then do this in the Afternoon:
Day 1 Explore Évora's Historic Core:
Afternoon:
- Praça do Giraldo - Start at the heart of the city with a coffee at Café Arcada
- Igreija de São Francisco & Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) - A fascinating yet eerie chapel where walls are lined with human bones from 5000 monks.
- Évora Cathedral (Sé de Évora- Climb to the rooftop for stunning city views..
Evening:
- Aqueduto da Água de Prata - Walk alongside this 16th century aqueduct.
- Sunset at Jardim Diana - A great spot to relax with a view of the Roman Temple.
- Dinner at Fialho or Taberna Típica Quarta -Feira - Enjoy Alentejo specialties like migas or another traditional dish
Day 2: Culture, Nature & Wine
Morning:
- University of Evora - One of the oldest universities of Portugal with beautiful cloisters.
- Cadaval Palace & Igreja dos Lóios - A noble palace with a historic church
- Almendres Cromleck - A short drive to see a Noelithic stone circle older than Stonehenge.
- Lunch at Dom Joaquim - A cozy spot known for regional dishes.
Afternoon:
- Roman Temple of Évora (Temple of Diana) - One of Portugal's best preserved Roman Ruins.
- Palácio de Dom Manuel - A glimpse into Évora's royal history
- Explore the Whitewashed Streets - Wonder through the old town's picturesque streets.
- Explore the shops downtown and grab some souvenirs.
- We had dinner one day in "A Choupanna", very traditional and delicious food!
Places to visit nearby:
- Almendres Cromleck - If you are driving, you can go to see a Noelithic stone circle older than Stonehenge.
- Wine Tasting at Cartuxa Winery - Sample the faous Pêra-Manca wine.
- Grab lunch at Enoteca Cartuxa - A perfect pairing of wine and Alentejo cuisine.
- Monsaraz - A medieval hilltop village with breathtaking views of Alqueva Lake.
- Arraiolos - Famous for it's handmade carpets and a charming castle.
- Great Lake of Alqueva- A relaxing boat ride on Europe's largest artificial lake.
Have a great time!
Thank you for reading with me, xo Ceci
