The ancient walled city of Évora attracts large numbers of day-trippers thanks to its eye-catching architecture and historic centre packed with landmarks dating back centuries.
The ancient Roman Temple of Diana (Photo: Guillén Pérez via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED)
The capital of Portugal’s south-central Alentejo region, the city’s distinctive white housesand argyle roofs account for much of its charm. But it is Évora’s roots dating back to Roman times that have helped elevate it into a major tourist destination, with the city boasting a remarkable collection of well-preserved monuments, making it something akin to a living museum. Less than 1.5 hours by road from Lisbon, it’s also a popular excursion for visitors based in the Portuguese capital. Here are 7 of the most unique things to see and do in Évora.
Explore the remains of a Roman temple
One of Europe’s best-preserved Roman monuments, the Évora Roman Temple (commonly, but many believe inaccurately, known as the Temple of Diana) was awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1986 – and for good reason. Even bereft of its original roof, mosaic-covered floor, reflecting pool and 4 of its 18 Corinthian columns, the site’s substantial intact features help draws large crowds of daily visitors who come to soak up the dripping-with-history aura. Little wonder that the attraction adorns postcards and tourism posters, as well as providing the back-drop for many a photo opportunity for the droves of sight-seers who flock here. Largo do Conde de Vila Flor / Open all hours
You can visit the temple and the rest of Évora’s Old Town as part of an organised walking tour with a local guide. Find available tours at GetYourGuide.
Visit a bone-chilling chapel
Not for the faint-hearted, the Chapel of Bones is best known for the some 5000 human skulls that embellish its arcades, columns and walls. Built in the 17th century, the chapel is part of the St Francis Church and was created on the initiative of three Franciscan friars for the purpose of conveying the message of temporariness and the fragility of human life. The skulls and bones that decorate the site all came from graves in the convent church and from other churches and cemeteries across Évora, providing visitors to the city with an unnerving but endlessly fascinating tourist attraction.
Praça 1º de Maio 4 / Mon-Sun 9am-6.30pm
Inside the Chapel of Bones (Photo: kenward via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED)
Marvel at an imposing 12th-century cathedral
The approach to Évora Cathedral can be a daunting experience, with its fortress-like appearance evoking images of feudal soldiers aiming their cannons at you from up high. But fear not, Portugal’s largest medieval cathedral serves an entirely benign purpose nowadays, with its for the many who come to witness it. While impressive from the outside, it’s worth venturing into its confines too, where you’ll find one of Europe’s oldest Renaissance organs, a small museum of sacred art, and a terrace reached via one of the bell towers and affording sublime views across the city.
Largo do Marquês de Marialva / Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Statues on the exterior walls of Évora Cathedral (Photo: Phillip Capper via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED)
Check out a grand palace
Another of Évora’s seemingly never-ending assortment of landmarks dripping with history and grandeur, Palácio Duques de Cadaval is a magnificent building with a colourful and varied back-story. Since being built on the ruins of an Moorish castle in the late 15th century, the palace has served as a royal residence, a burial place and even a prison. Today several of its rooms are open to the public and the venue also plays host to frequent art exhibitions and other cultural events. Spare time to visit the Igreja dos Lóios next door, a majestic church with stunning tiles lining the walls and an ornate golden altar.
Weds-Sun 10am-6pm Closed Mon-Tues
Learn about the city’s rich heritage at a museum
As mentioned, the entirety of Évora has the look and feel of a veritable museum, but the city also has its own self-contained cultural institution. Officially named Frei Manuel do Cenáculo National Museum, Évora Museum houses a huge collection of Roman sculptures, Visigothic and medieval artifacts, and Portuguese and Flemish paintings that chronicle the city’s rich heritage. While exploring the museum, visitors can discover its riveting stories courtesy of an audio tour, downloadable to your phone.
Largo do Conde de Vila Flor / Tues-Sun 9.30am-5.30pm Closed Mon
Exhibits on display at Évora Museum (Photo: Stephen Colebourne via Flickr / CC BY 2.0 DEED)
Get a taste of the local wine scene
The Alentejo region is widely considered one of the finest anywhere in the world for wine production – and at its heart is Évora. There are a wide number of renowned vineyards and wineries dotted around the city’s rural parts, where visitors can join guided tours and learn about the history of wine-making, from the earliest methods to current day techniques. Many of them also house tasting rooms where you can sample some of the home produce and purchase bottles to take away with you.