One of my favorite places in Portugal is UNESCO heritage site Evora. Evora has a long and extensive history. You can’t miss the Roman part, even if you’re enjoying a horse-and-buggy ride through the historic center. That’s the Temple of Diana in the picture, taken over the shoulder of the driver. You can arrange buggy tours with the tourist office or find the drivers lounging near the ruins (at least in the off-season).
There is also the Capela dos Ossos in Evora’s Igreja de São Francisco, the church of Saint Francis. It was built in the 16th century by a Franciscan monk who wanted his fellow monks to contemplate the transitory nature of life. Nice, macabre arrangement of bones you’ll see.
But the Alentejo near Evora is also known for a couple of outstanding and far earlier structures: the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro.
The Anta Grande do Zambujeiro (Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro) dates from c.4000-3500 BC. It is the largest dolmen in Europe.
And then there’s the Almendres Cromlech:
Boasting a spectacular hillside location among olive and cork trees, the Almendres Cromlech (Cromeleque dos Almendres) stone circle is the most important megalithic site in Portugal. Consisting of 96 standing stones arranged in an oval, it dates from 5000-4000 BC.
The Alentejo near Evora is a great place to explore. You’ll find wine made in the Roman way and great wines made in a modern way—the Alentejo is an up and coming fine wine region.
You can even find old etchings on the steps of Evora’s Cathedral!
Where to Stay in Evora
If you can afford it, we highly recommend a stay at Pousada Convento de Evora, where you’ll be housed in an old convent right between the cathedral and the Templo de Diana.
The Moov Hotel Évora is a modern hotel built on the site of an old bullring and is the value choice.
More Evora Travel Resources: Evora Weather and Climate
