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Classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage
City since 1986,
Évora is a museum town of roman origins, a treasure with much to offer, historically and
culturally. It was wrested from
the moors by the Christian Knight Geraldo Sempavor in 1166 and
flourished as one of the most dynamic cities in the Kingdom of Portugal
during Middle Ages. The city, enclosed within Roman, medieval and
17th-century walls, has been important since Roman times, as can be seen
by the ruins of its emblematic Temple of Diana, built in the 2nd or 3rd
century AD.
The animated main square, Praça do Giraldo, has Moorish arcades, a
fountain dating from 1571 and is a popular meeting-place on market days.
From there you can explore the city´s more than 20 churches and
monasteries, and ancient streets with shops selling handicrafts.
The city´s Cathedral,
built between 1186 and 1204, is also a place to visit. It includes a Gothic entrance with the
sculpted figures of the Apostles, an 18th-century main altar and many
other treasures of sacred art.
Outside the city, there are plenty of leisure activities to
choose from. One may enjoy the tasting of regional products,
such as wine, cheese and olive-oil, or choose a pleasurable
horse-ride, a day of hunting, a Kart-race or even select a
variety of adventure sports. For a more relaxed day, why not
visit some of the beautiful Alentejo towns and cities, not
very far from Évora, such as Monsaraz, Arraiolos, Estremoz,
Borba and Vila Viçosa.” |
