This UNESCO World Heritage City has a rich history and unique cultural roots that date from Roman times. During the 1400s it was the residence of the King of Portugal, and the city thus benefited from the royal court’s influence. Evora’s character was cemented during the 17th and 18th centuries, and the preservation of its history has made Evora a must-visit town on any trip to Portugal.
How to Best See Evora
The best way to see Evora is on foot, walking through its narrow streets lined with whitewashed houses and shops, outdoor cafes, and historic sites:
Praça do Giraldo
Make this your starting point. Located in the heart of the city, Giraldo Plaza is lined with sidewalk cafes, restaurants and shops. It is also where the tourism information office is located, thus giving you a chance to get maps and other information. Note the marble fountain with eight spouts, representing the eight streets leading to the plaza.
University
The second oldest University in Portugal! Inside of it you will see a beautiful little garden and a fountain. The freshmans “Bichos” (Bugs) on the 1st of November put their right foot inside that fountain “to get the knowledge of the older ones” in a big cerimony.
On their last year, (Around Mid-June) the veterans, “Senhores Estudantes” (Mr. Students) finish their year jumping inside that big fountain. In another big cerimony. That’s the moment when they “let their knowledge pass to the water, for the newer and younger students to get”.
Roman Temple
From Giraldo Plaza head toward the Roman Temple of Diana, located in the Conde Vila Flor square, and the Roman baths, a selfie-taking landmark.
Cathedral (Se)
After the Roman ruins head to the biggest cathedral in Portugal. Evora Cathedral, also known as Se de Evora, was initially built in the 13th century. Its facade was built with rose granite. The two massive towers were completed in the 16th century and feature conical spires surrounded by six turrets
Museum
While you’re at the Conde Vila Flor, take time for the Evora Museum, which is actually built on top of the town’s Roman forum. The museum has about 20,000 outstanding pieces of painting, sculpture and archaeology, and it’s free the first Sunday of every month.
Secret Marvel: Right beside the museum you will see “Biblioteca Pública” , you should go inside. It is one of the oldest public libraries on Portugal. This monument is rarely visited by tourists…
Other Places of Interest
From the cathedral, visit the Graça and Sao Francisco Church. Sao Francisco Church is particularly interesting due to its peculiar Chapel of Bones. The chapel gets its name because the interior walls are covered and decorated with human skulls and bones. Built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk, the bones were meant to symbolize the transitory aspect of life.
Right beside it, you’ll see the Public Garden, unfortunately the castle inside it is having some rebuilding done, therefore, there isn’t a way to get in.
Despite that, you can walk around everything and every green places, and have a drink inside the garde.
If you get lucky,, you might even some peacocks!
Enjoy your trip!
Yours truly,
Joel Fereira