Évora, Honor to Julius Caesar

Round about 90 minutes from Lisbon is the City of Évora. The City is situated in the Alentejo Region. The city was founded by the Romans and the high Town in honor to Julius Caeser. The City of Évora has 2 millennia of history. The City of Évora was classified by UNESCO in 1986 as Common Heritage of Mankind.

The Roman Temple of Évora, known as Temple of Diana ( Roman Goddess of the hunt ), is classified as National Monument by IGESPAR and as World Heritage City by UNESCO. It is surrounded by walls from the Medieval time. Of all the entries that the walls have, just one been saved, the Port of Aviz.

Along the Tourism Office of Évora is possible to obtain hearing aids that help you betterunderstand the City and it’s monuments. One of the monuments which are worth to seeing is the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, best known for the Cathedal of Évora. It’s the largest Portuguese Cathedral, has a particularity of have the tree types of marble white, pink and green.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines history, culture, nature and gastronomy, look no further than Évora, Portugal’s hidden gem. Évora is a city in the Alentejo region that has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved medieval town center and its rich architectural heritage. Here are some reasons why you should visit Évora and what you can do nearby.

• Step inside Évora’s Chapel of Bones. One of the most famous attractions in Évora is the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos), a 17th-century chapel decorated with human skulls and bones from Franciscan monks. The chapel is meant to remind visitors of their mortality and to inspire them to live a good life.
• Admire the Roman Temple of Évora. Another must-see attraction in Évora is the Roman Temple (Templo Romano), also known as the Temple of Diana. This impressive monument dates back to the 1st century AD and is one of the best-preserved Roman structures in Portugal.
• Visit the Cathedral of Évora. The Cathedral of Évora (Sé Catedral de Évora) is a stunning example of Gothic architecture that dominates the city skyline. It was built between 1186 and 1204 on the site of a former mosque and features a beautiful cloister, an ornate altar and a museum with sacred art.
• Explore the Royal Palace of Évora. The Royal Palace (Paço Real de Évora) was once a residence of Portuguese kings and queens from 14th to 16th centuries. It is now home to several cultural institutions, such as an art gallery, a library and an archive.
• Enjoy local cuisine at Praca do Giraldo. Praca do Giraldo is the main square of Évora where you can find cafes, restaurants, shops and monuments. It is also where many events take place throughout the year, such as festivals, concerts and markets. You can try some local specialties here, such as acorn-fed pork (porco preto), lamb stew (ensopado de borrego) or cheese cake (queijada de Évora).

If you have more time to spare, you can also explore some nearby attractions that are worth visiting:

• Discover Monsaraz, a white medieval town perched on a hill overlooking Lake Alqueva. Monsaraz has a charming atmosphere with narrow streets, whitewashed houses and castle ruins.
• Visit Vila Viçosa, a marble town that was once favored by Portuguese royalty. Vila Viçosa has a magnificent palace that showcases lavish rooms decorated with paintings, tapestries and furniture.
• Experience nature at Arraiolos Natural Park, a protected area that offers hiking trails, birdwatching spots and scenic views.

Évora is a destination that will surprise you with its beauty, history and culture. It is also easy to reach from Lisbon by car or train in about an hour and half. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Évora today!