A stroll through the streets of Évora takes on a somewhat mystical quality as elegance and a sense of history exude from its many squares, palaces and convents. A UNESCO World heritage Site, it is a sea of historical monuments and buildings that are products of years competing and ever changing rule from different religious groups. UNESCO has written of this wonderfully diverse city; “Évora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal after the destruction of Lisbon by the earthquake of 1755.''
Roman temple - Évora, photo by José Manuel
Still partially surrounded by its ancient city walls, Évora is famous in Portugal for its obvious and striking Roman influence. Of this the most awe inspiring is the magnificent Diana Temple, incredibly built somewhere between the 1st and the 3rd century AD. What is so charming about this city is that these remains are juxtaposed against those of the Visigoths and the Moors, creating a wonderful mix of ancient and medieval vestiges.
It is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in all of Portugal, and there are plenty of reasons as to why. Its white washed houses sit along cobbled streets and alongside statuesque cathedrals and charming town squares. Much of the lavishness of Évora is due to the fact that over the centuries much of Portugal’s royalty and nobility have spent time here, many building palaces and homes. It was even the place where both king Manuel I and King João III established their courts.
Not only historically significant, Évora offers visitors plenty of restaurants and bars and most of its numerous town squares are forever vibrant and full of people. The town is also known for its handicraft which can be bought in its many shops and local markets.
More information: visitportugal.com, Alentejo Tourist Office
ATOP members: Alentejo Tourist Office, Castaways Unicorn Holidays, Destination Portugal, Keytel International, Leisure Link Golf Holidays International, Milestones, Pousadas de Portugal, PTG Tours Ltd, Someone2travelwith, Sunvil Discovery, The Villa Agency
