Cart
Checkout now
Evora is a city on the UNESCO World Heritage List, located just one and a half hours from Lisbon, north of the Algarve coast. The first settlement appeared on its territory before our era and reached its highest level of prosperity in the Middle Ages.
Se Cathedral
The Roman-Gothic cathedral is one of Evora’s visit cards, perfectly fitting into the assembly of the ancient Portuguese city. Construction began in 1186 but completed only in 1250.
It looks more like a fortress and is one of the best medieval churches in Portugal. It is also the largest church in medieval architecture. The cathedral has the oldest functioning organ in Portugal. Its creation dates back to the 16th century. Don’t miss your chance to go inside and enjoy the church’s interior, which is decorated with white, pink, and black natural marble.
The bright feature of the building is its two interior towers, one of which houses the Museum of Religious Art. The sculptures of the apostles on the top of the towers are a highlight.
The object is of high architectural and cultural significance. World-famous Vasco da Gama received a blessing in this cathedral while preparing for his expedition to India.
Location: Largo do Marquês de Marialva, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
The University of Evora
One of the cathedral's main symbols is its university, founded in 1551 by the Jesuit order.
Many great Portuguese and Europeans studied here. The most outstanding scientists, poets, and artists from Europe came to this small town, searching for inspiration.
The political and economic importance of Evora radically declined in the 18th century. 1756 the university was closed, and the Jesuits were expelled from the country. But the university's history was not over. In the 19th century, King Miguel gave it a second chance, and the university reopened in 1973.
Location: Largo dos Colegiais 2, 7004-516 Évora, Portugal
Temple of Diana
This famous temple is on Piazza Condi di Vila Flor. At the beginning of the 2nd–3rd century, the temple was a warehouse or a theatre. But after 1870, the Temple of Diana became one of the top attractions of Evora.
While visiting the Temple of Diana, take advantage of a luxurious, shady garden with a bust of Francisco Barahona nearby. He is a famous figure in Portugal for his good deeds and charity.
Another nearby attraction to the cathedral is the building of the Evora City Museum, which opened in 1804. The construction of the city museum had to fit a public library and preserve ancient church rarities, archaeological finds, and unique exhibits from the personal collection of Archbishop Manuel Senakulo. However, the museum received its official status in 1915.
Location: Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, 7000-863 Évora, Portugal
The Chapel of Bones and the Church of St. Francis
The architectural object, built in 1550, belongs to the Gothic and Manuelino styles, typical for Portugal in the 15th and 16th centuries. Nowadays, it’s one of the most controversial and fascinating attractions in Portugal.
About 5,000 human skeletons create a mysterious impression in this chapel. Franciscan monks who wanted to remind their brethren and parishioners of the frailty of life created the ossuary.
Another reason for building the chapel was the need to find a new burial place, as there was no longer any free space in the local cemetery. The chapel, with its elegant and cheerful Manueline style, contrasts significantly with the church of St. Francis.
Tall arches and columns from the Gothic era create the solemn atmosphere of the chapel. The light coming through three small windows creates a mystical effect.
The Chapel of Bones and the Church of St. Francis in Evora are rather gloomy, but despite this, they turned out to be the city’s most popular tourist attractions. From some perceptions, the interior is magnificent; from others, it’s repulsive. But a lasting impression on everyone is a guarantee, as nobody can stay indifferent.
Location: Praça 1º de Maio 4, 7000-650 Évora, Portugal
Plaza Giraldo
The Central Square of Evora is a unique example of authentic architecture that has survived to this day in its original form. It’s a perfect place to walk along the tiled sidewalks and sit in a fancy place with a cup of coffee, enjoying the atmosphere of an old Portuguese city.
The square was a place for executions in times of inquisition. Additional attractions are to be visited: the 16th-century Church of Santo Antão and the building of the Bank of Portugal on the south side.
Plaza Giraldo fits a marble fountain created by the architect Afonso Alvarez in 1571. The construction has a bronze crown and has eight jets, symbolizing the eight streets leading to the square. Visit the square in your free time and enjoy its leisurely atmosphere.
Location: Praça do Giraldo 7, 7000-661 Évora, Portugal
Museums of Evora
Evora houses thematic museums for every taste. Here is a list of the most interesting ones.
Evora Museum
This museum is located in a former episcopal palace. It keeps an impressive collection of archaeological artefacts and religious art objects, reflecting the diverse cultural heritage of the Alentejo region.
Location: Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, 7000-804 Évora, Portugal
Museum of Sacred Art
The museum is in Evora Cathedral and features many sacred works of art, including sculptures, paintings, and religious artefacts from different city formation periods.
Location: Largo do Marquês de Marialva, 7000-809 Évora, Portugal
Ebora Megalítica
The prehistoric and megalithic heritage of the Evora region deserves the attention of all history lovers. To get a deeper understanding of the history of Evora, there are available guided tours through the exhibition of ancient megalithic sites. There are stone circles and dolmens, giving insight into the early human history of the area.
Location: Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres, 7000-222 Nossa Sra. de Guadalupe, Portugal
Eugenio de Almeida Foundation’s Art and Culture Center
This art center presents an exhibition of contemporary art featuring prominent works by Portuguese and international artists. It also offers cultural events and educational programs for any taste.
Location: Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, 7000-804 Évora, Portugal
Carriage Museum
This museum in the Sao Bras Palace has a wide collection of horse-drawn carriages. It’s a perfect location to learn more about the transportation and lifestyle of the Portuguese aristocracy in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Location: Páteo de São Miguel, 7001-901 Évora, Portugal
Summarize
Evora is interesting to visit primarily for its architectural sights. This open-air museum is perfect for visiting the whole family at any time of the year. There are architectural monuments and many other places that will allow you to create a complete impression of the city.
You can come to Evora alone, as it is ideally suited for walking or as part of an organized tour. Traveling as part of a tour will save time since all the transfer details have already been thought out in advance, and you do not need to worry about them.
A trip to Evora will also appeal to fans of event tourism. Various festivals are regularly held in the city. In the evening, there are bars and clubs where you can listen to music or drink a glass of excellent local wine.
Get best Evora experience with private tours from Lisbon to Evora with One Day Tours Portugal!
Private experience
