adminÉvora is known as the “Museum City” of Portugal, whose foundation dates back to the Roman occupation, but which maintains a historical, architectural and cultural heritage resulting from the experience of different civilizations over the centuries in that place. Let yourself be enchanted by Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, walking through its alleys, discovering its squares, admiring palaces, monasteries and churches, learning its history, and getting to know its people.
If you are interested in Portuguese history and want to know more, check out our “Plan your trip”.
When visiting Évora, you will see that there are many reasons that will make you want to stay longer. While you will want to explore the historic center of the city of Évora, delimited by imposing walls, be sure to discover the distant and enigmatic past of the megalithic monuments that populate the Alentejo region and, in particular, around Évora, and you will not be indifferent to the beauty of the natural landscape that surrounds it, the magnificent Alentejo’s cork oak forest, proof that Man and Nature can live in harmony.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Évora as UNESCO World Heritage Site
Alongside the cities of Porto and Guimarães, the historic center of Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, classified since 1986. The city walls of Évora surround the historic urban center, where you can find medieval streets, traditional houses, the Cathedral of Évora, the enigmatic presence of the Roman temple, the astonishment of the Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel) and also the history and tradition of the University of Évora and the Colégio do Espírito Santo.
You will need at least two full days in Évora to be able to explore all that Évora has to offer in its historic center, visiting its main monuments and museums, exploring its arteries, admiring its architectural beauty, and not forgetting to try some of its excellent restaurants, where you can enjoy the magnificent Alentejo’s cuisine. If you want to explore and visit the surroundings of Évora, you will need more time.
Évora as capital of the Iberian Peninsula’s megalithism
Around Évora, you can find different types of megalithic monuments, such as dolmens, menhirs and cromlechs, and in such quantity and quality, unparalleled in the Iberian Peninsula, that makes the Évora region one of the most important European megalithic landscapes. In addition to the museums in the city of Évora, where you can admire artefacts and learn about their history, nothing replaces visiting these enigmatic monuments on site (although, in some cases, it is not easy as they may be on private property).
Let yourself be surprised by the magic and mystery of buildings older than Stonehenge, and admire the ingenuity and social, religious and artistic complexity of the men and women who built these imposing structures thousands of years ago in Évora.
Évora in the center of the Alentejo’s Montado
The cork oak is a characteristic ecosystem of the Alentejo, made up of forests of holm oaks, cork oaks, and chestnut trees, which exists mainly in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, but also in Italy and North Africa. It derives its name from the fact that it is a forest set up by Man, in this case with the aim of protecting the cork oak with other species around it. Portugal is the country with the largest extension of cork oaks in the world (one third of the world’s area!) and the world’s main exporter of cork (producing more than 50% of the cork consumed worldwide!). The Montado is also associated with the Alentejo Black Pig breed, which feed on acorns, the fruit of holm oaks.
When you visit Évora, you will have a golden opportunity to explore Alentejo’s cork oak forests, to get to know this ecosystem better, to appreciate its beauty and to learn about its economic and historical importance for the local populations.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT ÉVORA
When visiting Évora, it is good to have some basic ideas that will help you on the ground. So here are some practical tips for when you visit Évora.
1. When to visit Évora
Évora has a Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers, and moderately cold and rainy winters, and even in the months of December to February, temperatures are never negative. However, the summer heat in Évora, the hottest district capital in Portugal, should not be underestimated, with July and August being the hottest months, with average maximum temperatures above 30 degrees celsius, so if you visit Évora in these months , you should take some precautions, namely keeping yourself hydrated and putting on sunscreen. Therefore, the best time to visit Évora is in the months of May and June, or September and October, although it does rain on some days in Évora in those months.
For more information about the weather in Portugal, don’t forget to check out our “Plan your trip”.
In the second half of June, Évora celebrates the Festa de São João (Saint John’s festival), the most important in the city. On these days, Évora shows the best in terms of handicrafts and gastronomy and its streets are filled with animation and fun, providing an excellent opportunity to visit Évora in a more festive atmosphere.
2. Getting there and around Evora
Évora is the capital of the second largest district in Portugal, in Alentejo, with the districts of Santarém and Portalegre to the North, Beja to the South, and Setúbal to the West, and Spain to the East. Évora is located about 400 km from Porto (approximately 3 and a half hours journey, via A1/A13/A6), and 140 km from Lisbon (approximately 1.5 hours journey, via A2/A6 or A12/A6 ).
You can get to Évora by bus or by train, for example from Lisbon (you can check the train timetables here), but to be able to move around Évora independently, and be able to explore all that Évora has to offer, the best option is to have your own vehicle. Once you have arrived in Évora, the best way to explore the historic center is on foot, but you will need a car to visit the outskirts of Évora, in particular the megalithic monuments.
If you don’t have a car, you can rent a car in Portugal through this link.
3. Where to park your car when you visit Évora
There’s no denying it; parking in Évora is a problem. Inside the Historic Center, parking is charged from Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings, there are few spaces available, and there is a paid parking time limit in Évora (4 hours, with the exception of the university area where the limit is 11 hours). There are several parking areas in Évora with different rates. You have to have some patience, and be careful not to park in places reserved for residents without having the proper permit (the police are always on the lookout in Évora and the fine is heavy).
You can park in places with a fee and not pay, as long as it is from 19.00-19.30 and until 8.30-9.00 the following day (you can also get parking tickets for the next day if you need to). The car parks peripheral to the historic center of Évora are free of charge but have the disadvantage of being further away from your accommodation within the walled city of Évora. However, they can be a good option if you don’t want to get bored.
4. Where to stay in Évora
Évora has several accommodation options, with the cheapest local accommodation, as well as the most expensive hotels, located in the historic center of the city of Évora. Rural accommodation and country houses are located a few kilometers from Évora.
We stayed at Mouraria House – Casa de Charme, an excellent option in the center of Évora, with an excellent location (a few steps from the Roman Temple), being a small independent house, with a comfortable bedroom, and a living room along with kitchen.
But there are other excellent accommodation options in Évora.
- If you want cheaper accommodation in Évora, you can choose between Lavradores Boutique Guesthouse, Burgos Guest House, HI Évora – Youth Hostel, StayInn City – Évora, Heaven Inn Suites & Terrace, or Hotel Ibis Evora, all in the center of Évora.
- If you want a rural environment combined with quality, outside the city of Évora, try Quinta Do Cano, A Casa do Governador, or Monte das Cobras – Country House.
- For those traveling with family or groups in Évora, you can try the houses Vintage Guest House – Casa do Escritor, Casa do Sertório, Casa dos Aromas, and Casas do Megué, or the apartments Casa Morgado Esporao, Casa dos Castelos, Casas Madre de Deus, and Casa Becco dos Assucares, all in the center of Évora.
- If you prefer more comfortable and exclusive accommodation in Évora, you can try Convento do Espinheiro, Historic Hotel & Spa, Evora Olive Hotel, and Albergaria Do Calvario – by Unlock Hotels, all in the center of Évora, or the M’AR De AR Aqueduto, and Quinta Da Espada, outside the center.
5. Travel insurance for your trip to Évora
Travel insurance is more important than ever for a trip without worries, even when the trip does not involve any particularly dangerous activities. Like Portuguese people use to say “You don’t fool around with health!”.
You can buy your travel insurance for the trip to Portugal through this link.
6. Using bank cards in Portugal
Portugal is integrated into the international banking system, so using debit or credit cards will not be a problem in handling money in Portugal. With your debit or credit card, you can make payments at any store or commercial establishment, as well as withdraw euros in ATMs, which are widely available, the national network being called Multibanco. You can also find international networks of ATMs, but be careful with the conversion and transaction fees that are applied.
When we travel abroad, we use the Wise debit Mastercard®. The borderless Wise account comes with a debit card and allows you to spend anywhere in the world at the real exchange rate. You will receive low conversion rates, free ATM withdrawals of up to £ 200 per month and zero transaction fees. You can create your Wise multi-currency account here and get your Wise debit card.
7. Visit Évora on a tour from Lisbon
It will definitely not be the best option to visit Évora, but if you have little time and you are in Lisbon, you can visit Évora on a day trip. You can choose between two different types of excursions to Évora.
If you are more interested in History, and want to know the cultural heritage of Évora and its megalithic monuments, you can opt for an excursion, from Lisbon, in which you will visit the Roman Temple and the Cathedral of Évora, enter the Capela dos Ossos de Évora, in the Church of São Francisco, and will explore the Cromlech dos Almendres, the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro dolmen, and the Roman villa of Tourega.
If, in addition to the historic center of Évora, you are more interested in handicrafts and gastronomy, you can opt for an excursion from Lisbon, in which, in addition to visiting the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral and the Capela dos Ossos of Évora, you will have the option of tasting wine and olive oil in a local production unit, and will end with a visit to the village of Arraiolos and its traditional handicrafts.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO WHEN YOU VISIT ÉVORA
To be able to visit Évora with time to discover all the best that the city of Évora has to offer, we suggest that you dedicate two days to the historic center, including in one of them the pedestrian route along the aqueduct, and another day to make the megalithic circuit in the surroundings of Évora. So here are our suggestions for what to see and do when visiting Évora.
1. Admire the Roman Temple of Évora (Temple of Diana)
Despite already existing as a village in pre-Roman times, the city of Évora is recognized as having been elevated to a municipality under the name of Ebora Liberalitas Julia, an honorary title granted by Julius Caesar, having been integrated into the Province of Lusitania by Emperor Augustus in the beginning of our era.
Situated at the highest point of the Roman acropolis, the Roman Temple of Évora (formerly known as the Temple of Diana, given the similarities with the homonym in Mérida, in Spain) is what remains of the Roman city’s forum, displaying Corinthian columns, with bases and capitals of marble. It was part of a huge complex and was consecrated to Emperor Augustus in the 1st century AD. It is a unique specimen in Portugal, a National Monument, and one of the best preserved in the Iberian Peninsula.
2. Visit the Cathedral of Évora
The construction of the Basilica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção, better known as the Cathedral of Évora, began at the end of the 12th century, but was only completed in the mid-13th century, having also undergone additions in the 15th and 16th centuries. Thus, it resulted in a magnificent building in Évora with a mixture of styles, from the Romanesque, through the Gothic and even the Baroque.
On the façade, the two imposing medieval towers and the portal with fabulous sculptures of apostles stand out. Inside, with three naves, you can get a real sense of the size of the largest Portuguese cathedral, with the baroque carved altar and the pipe organ as highlights. The fabulous Gothic cloister is also worth a visit.
Don’t forget to go to the roof to get a different perspective of this architectural masterpiece.
3. Walk along the walls of Évora
The walls of Évora are a hallmark of the city of Évora, surrounding the historic centre, and are one of the things not to be missed when visiting Évora. You can admire them on foot, by car, going through its doors or walking on its top (next to the Public Garden). The section along Avenida de Lisboa, from Porta do Raimundo to Porta da Lagoa, is particularly impressive.
4. Enter the walled city through one of the gates of Évora
To enter the historic center of Évora, it is inevitable that you pass through the city walls using one of the city gates of Évora. Be sure to admire the beauty of these buildings when you do. The busiest gates will be Porta da Lagoa, Porta de Avis and Porta do Raimundo, but the most beautiful will be Porta de Alconchel, with the keep on the side.
5. Visit the Church and Convent of Lóios in Évora
Built on the ruins of a medieval castle in Évora, the Convento dos Lóios dates from 1487 and, together with the Church (of Saint John Evangelist), form an impressive ensemble. Unfortunately, when we visited it was closed, but if you can, be sure to visit and enjoy the Chapter Room and the tiles of this church in Évora.
6. Enjoy the squares of Évora
The historic center of Évora is renowned for its beautiful squares, big and small, and it is always a pleasure to wander through the streets of Évora and discover the different corners of the city.
6.1 Largo Conde Vila Flor
Largo do Conde de Vila Flor is the highest and noblest part of the historic center of Évora, and it is there that the Cathedral of Évora, the Church and Convent of Lóios, the Museum of Évora and the Palace of the Inquisition are located.
6.2. Praça do Giraldo
Known as Terreiro or Praça de Alconchel in the 13th and 14th centuries and Praça Grande between the 15th and 19th centuries, the current Praça do Giraldo (whose name honors the famous Geraldo without fear, a warrior in the service of D. Afonso Henriques, who conquered Évora to the Moors in 1167) is the nerve center of Évora’s historic centre, where you can rest on a café terrace and admire the fountain where the “Água da Prata” Aqueduct ended.
6.3. Largo da Porta de Moura
At Largo da Porta de Moura in Évora, you can admire a Renaissance fountain, dating from 1556, made of marble and surmounted by a globe.
6.4. Largo de São Francisco in Évora
Largo de São Francisco is the largest square in Évora, with the Church of São Francisco on one side and the Municipal Market on the other. At one of its ends, there is the Public Garden.
6.5. Praça do Sertório in Évora
Praça do Sertório is the square where the Évora City Council building is located, and a great place to have a drink in the late afternoon, with the letters “ÉVORA” close by.
7. Admire the Água da Prata Aqueduct when visiting Évora
The Água da Prata Aqueduct is the most important ancient hydraulic structure in Portugal, whose origins date back to the 16th century, but which underwent major remodeling in the 19th century. And even today it fulfills its function, contributing to the water supply to the city of Évora! Its most imposing section is the magnificent arcade (classified as a National Monument in 1910) that runs from the Santo António Fort to the walled city. Avenida de Lisboa and Rua de Chartres cross the arches and offer a magnificent view of this amazing engineering work in Évora.
8. Be amazed by the houses under the arcades of the Évora Aqueduct
After the Évora Aqueduct enters the walled city, the arches are joined by Rua do Cano, and the cramped urban space led the population of Évora to build houses under the arcades of the Évora aqueduct. Today they are one of the most beautiful and unusual houses in Évora. To admire them, enter the historic center through Porta da Lagoa and turn left.
9. Take the route “Água da Prata” to Évora
If you like to walk, there is a fabulous marked trail that allows you to get a closer look at the “Água da Prata” Aqueduct. The aqueduct is 19 km long, from the source of Ribeira do Divor to Évora, but this route follows, almost always alongside, the aqueduct for about 8 km, from the Metrogos/Valcovo area to Évora.
We took the car to Valcovo and started from there (in the end we took a taxi in Évora to pick up the car). The trail has a lot of shade, as there are many trees, but it also has sections that are more exposed to the sun, especially closer to Évora. If you do it in the summer we recommend doing it early in the morning. We started around six-thirty in the morning and finished around eleven-thirty.
10. Visit the University of Évora
The University of Évora is the second oldest university in Portugal (after Coimbra), attesting to the ecclesiastical and political importance of Évora in the 16th century. It was founded on November 1, 1559, being managed by the then recent Society of Jesus, and was ordered to close by the Marquis of Pombal in 1759, when the Jesuits were expelled from Évora.
The spaces continued to have a pedagogical function, housing, for example, the Liceu Nacional de Évora, but the University of Évora only returned to being a higher education institution in 1979, being today a center for the development of the city of Évora.
11. Be dazzled by the tiles of the Colégio do Espírito Santo
Colégio do Espírito Santo was the first building to be built at the University and is something not to be missed when visiting Évora.
Its classrooms are divided by themes (Physics, Philosophy, Geography, for example), and inside there are magnificent tiles that portray the theme of the room, where we can admire the representation of Aristotle teaching his pupil, the young Alexander the Great. Curiously, the rooms retain the Jesuits’ chair (the pulpit from where the master taught).
12. Admire the Church of São Francisco
The Church of São Francisco, located in Largo de São Francisco, is one of the most monumental churches in Portugal, having been the Royal Chapel of the renowned Convent of São Francisco, which would have been the first seat of the Franciscan Order in Portugal. The golden period of the 16th century saw the royal family settle there, during their visits to Évora. Today, both its magnificent façade and the interior, with its gilded altarpieces, paintings and tiles, attract visitors to Évora.
13. Visit the Bone Chapel
The Church of São Francisco also displays what is an ex-libris of the city and something not to be missed when visiting, the fabulous Capela dos Ossos (Bone Chapel). At the entrance, a sign “We bones that are here are waiting for yours” sets the tone for the philosophy behind this singular work, a chapel whose walls and pillars are decorated with bones and skulls.
Built in the 17th century by Franciscan monks, the idea was that all those who entered would meditate on the transience and impermanence of life, devoting their efforts to greater goals. After a recent restoration, Capela dos Ossos remains an otherworldly sight, as impressive to visitors today as it was in the past.
14. Be dazzled by the Church of Mercy
The Misericórdia Church, located in Largo da Misericórdia, is probably the most beautiful church in Évora. Started to be built in the 16th century, today it presents a fabulous set of baroque art from the 17th and 18th centuries.
On its walls, you can admire beautiful panels of blue and white tiles, on the life of Christ (the church is consecrated to Senhor dos Passos, with oil paintings on top, representing the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. The altarpiece of gilded carving displays an oil representation of the Virgin of Mercy.
15. Admire the Renaissance facade of the Church of Grace
The Igreja da Graça (or Convento de Nossa Senhora da Graça, founded in 1511) is one of the most beautiful buildings in Évora. In Renaissance style, you can admire the famous and beautiful Atlantean figures (whom the people of Évora have called for centuries, the “Graça boys”).
Transformed into a barracks when the religious orders were extinguished, its interior suffered a deep degradation, having the church undergone a restoration already in the 20th century, but the Messe of Officers of the Évora garrison still functions there.
16. Visit the Church of Santo Antão
Located in Praça do Giraldo, the Church of Santo Antão dates from the 16th century and the Roman Arch of Triumph was demolished for its construction. Today you can admire its façade and the gilded carvings inside.
17. Try migas when visiting Évora
Migas are one of the hallmarks of Alentejo gastronomy, taking, in addition to bread, garlic, paprika and salt. It usually accompanies fried pork. Alentejo cuisine at its best!
If you want to know more about Portuguese food and drinks, check out our “Plan your trip”.
18. Visit the Roman villa of Tourega
About 12 km from the city of Évora, you can find the Roman villa of Tourega through a dirt road that leads to the Alcáçovas. They are the ruins of a Roman villa from the 1st to the 4th centuries AD, where you can still admire three bathing tanks.
19. Taste Farofias when visiting Évora
Conventual sweets in Portugal date from the 14th century, made in convents, and characterized by large amounts of sugar and egg yolks. The farófias, or floating islands, were intended to use the egg whites left over from convent sweets. Don’t miss out!
20. Shopping on October 5th Street
Rua 5 de Outubro is the main street in Évora to buy those souvenirs you want to take back from the Alentejo, especially regional handicrafts.
21. Watch the sunset at Diana’s Garden viewpoint
Diana’s Garden, next to the Roman Temple, overlooks the old city and has fabulous views over the Alentejo plain, especially at sunset.
22. Visit the Palace of the Inquisition (Centre for Art and Culture)
Évora was the city where the Inquisition was born in Portugal, in 1536. After the Inquisition was extinguished in 1821, the building was purchased by the Dukes of Palmela and later by the Eugénio de Almeida family, and today it functions as an Art Center and Culture, where you can admire the frescoes.
23. Eat the best seafood açorda in Alentejo
The seafood açorda is probably the most emblematic dish of Alentejo cuisine. Looking for the best seafood açorda in Alentejo is a herculean task, but we found an excellent candidate, at the restaurant “Martinho da Arcada”.
24. Contemplate the Water Tank
On Rua Nova de Santiago, you can admire a Renaissance water tank, belonging to the Água da Prata Aqueduct, currently with only two sides visible, of unusual artistic beauty, with twelve Tuscan columns.
25. Get lost in the streets of the old city of Évora
Within the historic center of Évora, there is an area that is a delight inherited from the times of the Islamic occupation of the city. Narrow alleys, street names and architectural details are reminiscent of the Moorish past and allow for a pleasant journey back in time.
26. Be enchanted by the Manueline window of Casa Garcia de Resende
Close to the Cathedral, be sure to admire this Manueline window, in marble and granite, in a house where the chronicler and poet Garcia de Resende is said to have lived.
27. Visit the Church of Saint James
The Church of São Tiago can go unnoticed in Évora, but be sure to visit this church (rebuilt in the 17th century), with beautiful tile panels inside.
28. Dinner on Alcarcova de Baixo street
Rua Alcárcova de Baixo has established itself in recent years as one of Évora’s trendiest streets, particularly with regard to the dinner scene. Dine on a terrace, enjoy the food, and enjoy the atmosphere of the streets.
29. Taste dogfish rice when visiting Évora
Dogfish is a fish that is common in Alentejo gastronomy recipes, for example in soup. Be sure to try the dogfish rice (and prawns), “malandrinho” (juicy), with parsley and coriander to sharpen the taste.
30. Taste pão de rala when visiting Évora
Pão de rala is one of the most appreciated convent sweets in Alentejo. Its filling is made with egg yolks, lemon zest, almonds, and chila. Delicious!
31. Stroll through the Public Garden and city wall
The Public Garden serves today the purpose for which it was built at the end of the 19th century, that is, to allow peoples to take a walk in a green area within the city walls.
Located at the southern end of the historic centre, next to Porta do Raimundo, you can stroll there peacefully, surrounded by vegetation, but also close to and on top of the wall, and enjoy several interesting architectural creations, such as the “Fake Ruins” and the Bandstand.
32. Admire the Palace of D. Manuel
Located in the public garden, what is known as Palácio D. Manuel is no longer a small part of what would have been one of the most important palaces in Portugal, the Paço Real de São Francisco, stage of royal weddings and where Vasco da Gama was invested in command of the squad for the discovery of the sea route to India. With the loss of independence, the destruction of the palace began, having only saved the “Ladies Gallery”, dating from the 16th century, which later served as a warehouse, Archaeological Museum and Theater. Today, it is the city’s “visiting room”, where official ceremonies and exhibitions take place.
33. See the ruins of the Roman Baths, at City Hall
In the Palace of Condes de Sortelha, the building that now houses the City Hall, in Largo do Sertório, are the ruins of what would have been the public baths, built between the 2nd and 3rd centuries. When we visited, only the ruins of Laconicum were accessible, the room with the highest temperature, and in its center there is a large circular marble tank, with three steps, surrounded by the heating system.
34. Take the Évora Museum Route
The Évora Museum Network encompasses several cultural entities in the city, allowing, with a single ticket (valid for one, two or three days), to visit different spaces and museum centers. In addition to the suggestions that we leave here, you can also visit the Palácio Duques de Cadaval, the Casas Pintadas, the Palácio do Vimioso Archeology Interpretive Center, the Colégio do Espírito Santo, the D. Manuel Palace and the Museum of Clock, among others.
34.1. Évora Museum
Officially created in 1915, the Frei Manuel do Cenáculo National Museum, known as the Évora Museum, occupies the former Episcopal Palace, and is located next to the Cathedral, facing the Roman temple. This museum displays collections of archeology, sculpture and ceramics, but the painting collection stands out.
34.2. Megalithic Ebora
Installed in the Convent and Church of Remédios, next to the Porta de Alconchel, the Megalithica Ebora Interpretation Center has exhibitions on the megalithic and roman periods, being a good place to visit in addition to visits to the monuments on the ground.
34.3. Collection of Carriages
In the old barn building of the Cabido da Sé de Évora, there is now a collection of carriages from the 19th and early 20th centuries that belonged to Casa Eugénio de Almeida, a powerful family from that period.
34.4. Noble House on Rua de Burgos
The Casa Nobre on Rua dos Burgos displays important ruins, in particular part of the Cerca Velha, an ancient Roman wall of large dimensions.
34.5. Palace Dukes of Cadaval
Built on the ruins of a Moorish castle, the Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval has belonged to the same family since its foundation in the 14th century. Currently, it is possible to visit part of the palace’s rooms and admire rare and valuable pieces.
34.6. Church of the Savior
The former Convento do Salvador dates from 1610 and was handed over to the nuns of Santa Clara. After the extinction of the religious orders, it was dilapidated until it was demolished, having been saved the church, the lookout tower and part of the cloister.
35. Enjoy the views from Alto de São Bento
Alto de São Bento, a few kilometers from the historic center, is a natural viewpoint with 360 degree views. There are old mills, recovered by the City Council, which transformed them into two little museums (Granite and Floristic). The viewpoint is, in fact, located in a granite massif, with signage and explanations about the different natural shapes drawn on the rocks.
36. Tour the Megalithic Circuit
On the outskirts of Évora there are hundreds of megalithic monuments, and if you are interested in history, you should dedicate a day to exploring this enigmatic and fascinating testimony to the past.
If you don’t want to dedicate a whole day to this theme, be sure to visit the fabulous Cromeleque dos Almendres grounds and the imposing Anta Grande do Zambujeiro.
37. Admire the Fort of Santo António da Piedade
A few hundred meters from the city within the walls, next to the aqueduct, the Fort of Santo António da Piedade was built during the Restoration War, involving the convent that gives it its name, and has a square plan with bulwarks at the vertices. Inside, the Missionary Seminary functions today.
38. Visit the Cartuxa Winery, next to the Cartuxa Convent
The Cartuxa Convent of Santa Maria Scala Coeli is one of the spiritual symbols of Évora, where the monks have lived in seclusion since 1598. The monastery was closed in 1834, but was restored in 1960. It is not possible to visit the Convent (which has the largest cloister in Portugal), which saw the last monks leave in 2019, but you can visit Adega Cartuxa, right next door, and enjoy the wines produced by the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation.
39. Explore the landscape of Alentejo’s Montado landscape
If you want to get to know Alentejo’s Montado and learn its importance from those who work there, taking an organized tour is an excellent option. Take a ride in a Land Rover through the cork oaks, and learn about the cork cycle, as well as the local fauna and flora, and agricultural activities.
Book your spot here on a safari in the cork oak forest, with lunch and optional wine tasting. NOTE: The meeting point for this tour is in the village of Redondo, about 30 minutes by car from Évora (via N254).
