Évora is known for hot summers, plenty of sunshine most of the year but with cool breezes that make the evenings quite pleasant. And it’s actually quite mild year round, thanks to the warm Atlantic currents that move up from the Gulf of Mexico. With its many unique architectural styles; Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque the Unesco World Heritage site remains one of the most fascinating Portuguese cities, with a rich history and culture.
This beautiful, hilltop town, is still protected by a ring of fortified walls enclosing cobbled streets and quaint houses and has a population of 50,000 people. Located 70 miles east of Lisbon it’s been settled since prehistoric times - megaliths from 4,000 BC can be seen a few miles outside the city. In 80 BC, the Roman city of Liberalitas Julia was founded here, and was later ruled by the Visigoths, then the Moors and finally Catholic kings from 1166 when it became a favored base for the court of the Kingdom of Portugal. The Jesuits were also active here from the 16th to 18th centuries and Évora's university was and still is today an important center of learning.
Aqueduct - Serpa, photo by Antonio Sacchetti
Standing out against the skyline of the Alentejo plain, Évora retains the splendour of a royal city with labyrinthine streets, squares flooded with light, Renaissance fountains, Moorish courtyards and Gothic doorways and turrets. In fact it’s a sightseeing heaven and a visit wouldn’t be complete without a trip the eerie Chapel of Bones or the Cathedral of Santa Maria. Built in the gothic style, completed in the 12th century and with a 14th century ogival cloister, the main entrance is decorated with sculptures of the apostles, the interior dates from the 17th - 18th century. The Sacred Art Museum is situated in the gallery above the nave house of the cathedral. Don't miss it!
If you get seek of being a tourist, head to the Praca do Giraldo This picturesque central square is adorned with medieval arches and is an ideal place to relax and do some people-watching. Head to Restaurante O Fialho for some traditional Alentejo cuisine – it has received several awards and has a relaxed and calm atmosphere, very good service and high quality food. For your main dish try "Secretos de Porco Preto" or "Carne de Porco Preto com Migas de Espargos".
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