Evora is a small city, the capital of the Alentejo region in Portugal and has important historical heritage. Located at the heart of Alentejo, Evora has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its historic centre. In addition to its beauty, this charming town stands out for its calm atmosphere, as well as the traditional architecture that makes it a picture-perfect setting. The original Portuguese cobbled streets are contrasted with white and yellow facades, which add a little colour to the view. Beyond its historic centre, there are significant landmarks that cannot be missed on a trip to Evora.
Considered one of the regions with the greatest architectural and historical heritage in the country, Evora is known for being a peaceful and quiet city. All the interesting places are within walking distance, so you can soak up its natural charm and let yourself be captivated by all corners of the city.
To organise your trip we recommend using the Passporter app. Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers and add the places that interest you to the route map. You can also keep all important documents in one place such as travel tickets or hotel reservations, among many other features, completely free of charge.
Things to see in Evora
Evora Old Town
Declared a World Heritage Site, Evora’s old town of this city is a must-see. As the capital of the Alentejo region, Evora has many medieval buildings, monuments and squares in its historic centre. Evora is protected by its imposing city walls which lead to all kinds of local shops, cafés, and restaurants. The main artery of the city is the pedestrianised Rua 5 de Octubre, which is the street that connects the Plaza de Giraldo with the Cathedral, two of the essential sites to see in Evora.
Evora Roman Temple
One of the most notable landmarks to see in Evora are the ruins of the Roman temple. Located in the Plaza Conde Vila Flor, in the centre of Evora, this temple is the only one that has been preserved in the whole of Portugal. These ruins date back to the 1st century, so only a few of the columns from the original temple remain – enough to be one of the symbols of Evora.
The Walls of Evora
Known as the city of three walls, Evora has three medieval walls that protect the city’s precious historic centre. Each of the walls was built in a different century, but all of them have been classified as a National Monument of Portugal since 1922 and are considered part of the Historic Centre of Evora by UNESCO. The first of these, of which few remains can be seen, dates back to the 3rd century. Likewise, the wall that can be seen today in Evora was built during two different periods of the Middle Ages. The last of them dates back to the 17th century, which was a period of decline for the city. All of them have well-preserved walls and gates that lead to the historic centre of the city.
Church of São Francisco
This is a particularly striking church to see in Evora, although it is not considered the most important in the city. The Church of São Francisco is a church of Gothic-Manueline architecture, built between 1480 and 1510. It offers charming views of the capital of Alentejo. It is known internationally not so much for its Manueline Gothic architecture, but for the adjoining church, the Chapel of the Bones.
The Chapel of Bones, a place to see in Evora Portugal
The Chapel of Bones in Evora is a side chapel of the aforementioned church. It gets its name due to the walls of its three small rooms being covered with skulls and human bones, as a representation of the ephemeral nature of earthly existence. Its construction dates back to the 16th century. The chapel has a side entrance through a courtyard of the church and there is an entrance fee to visit it.
However, the main church in Evora is the Cathedral, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, which is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the city. The sculptures in its portico and cloister are outstanding.
Agua de Prata Aqueduct
The aqueduct of Evora, also called Água de Prata, originally reached the very heart of the city, as far as Giraldo Square. Today, the largest visible section is outside the medieval walls, reaching a maximum height of 12 metres. Inside the aqueduct walls, small houses and shops have been built between the arches. It was built in the 16th century by Francisco de Arruda, the same architect who designed the Elvas aqueduct and the popular Belem Tower in Lisbon.
Praça do Giraldo
Giraldo square is the heart of the city, the ideal place to start your visit to Evora. The main spots and landmarks to visit in Evora in one day can be reached in just a few minutes from this square. Giraldo Square is the most atmospheric places in Evora, linked to the cathedral by the pedestrian and historic Rua 5 de Octubro. Here you can enjoy the many terraces of bars and restaurants. The square is rectangular in shape and on one side is the Church of San Antonio.
Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval
Evora is also a city rich in palaces. The architectural style of most of them is Manueline Gothic. The most famous is the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, although it is not the oldest. Other palaces to see in Evora include the Vasco da Gama Palace, the Palace of the Counts of Basto and the former residence of the Kings of Portugal, the Royal Palace (also known as the Palace of Don Manuel). Most of them are not open to the public as museums, so you’ll have to make do with seeing them from the outside.
Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.
What to see in and around Evora?
Elvas
This interesting city is located next to the Spanish border, just a few kilometres from Badajoz, also a border city. Its complex defensive system, declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, makes it one of the jewels of the Alentejo of Portugal and the main place to see near Evora. It is the most important fortified city in Portugal and one of the largest in the world. It is a small city, easily visited in half a day, making Elvas an ideal complement to your visit to Evora.
Almendres Cromlech
The Alentejo is the Portuguese region that is home to the most important megalithic monuments. As soon as you step outside the walls of Evora, you are immersed in a land dotted with these megalithic sites, surrounded by vast expanses of oak and olive trees. With 95 megaliths arranged in an oval shape, the Almendres Cromlech is one of the most popular, just 15 kilometres west of the city.
These enormous stones arranged in a circle, dating from the Neolithic period, are one of the most important prehistoric complexes on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. Their significance is still unknown today. They can be easily visited from Evora by car, although the last few metres have to be done on foot. Entry is completely free of charge.
Lisbon
The Portuguese capital is only 130 kilometres away. So if you’re planning a trip to Evora, we recommend spending at least half a day in Lisbon. It’s a very worthwhile city, contrasting the old, bohemian and decadent side, with the side that is modern, cosmopolitan and open to the world.
Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery, Commerce Square, the Cathedral, the trams, Alfama, Chiado. If you are visiting Evora, a day trip to the capital of Portugal is the perfect way to complete your trip.
What to see in Evora Portugal in one day?
Evora is the ideal destination in Portugal to visit in one day, as most of the places of interest are concentrated in the old town. With a day in Evora you can really get to know the most important spots and walk through its streets, meet its people and taste its food. Here is a one-day itinerary, so you can make the most and see everything there is to see in Evora:
- Evora Old Town
- The Roman Temple of Evora
- The Walls of Evora
- The Church of São Francisco
- The Chapel of Bones
- The Agua de Prata Aqueduct
- Praça do Giraldo
- Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval
What to see in Evora Portugal in two days?
With two days in Evora you will be able to discover the surrounding area as well as the neighbouring cities to make your trip an even more amazing experience. Here is a possible two-day itinerary to explore the most special places in this Portuguese region.
Day 1:
- Evora Old Town
- The Roman Temple of Evora
- The Walls of Evora
- Church of São Francisco
- The Chapel of Bones
- The Agua de Prata Aqueduct
- Praça do Giraldo
- Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval
Day 2, option 1:
- Almendres Cromlech
- Elvas
Day 2, option 2:
- Visit Lisbon
Frequently Asked Questions Evora Portugal
In Evora, you will find a wide variety of high quality local products, typical of the Alentejo region, such as cured cheeses and sausages. Other traditional foods include soups made of bacon, dogfish, green vegetables or tomato. Alentejo bread is another of the foods that you must try, either as a main meals or a midday snack. In the pastry shops and cafés, you will find typical Portuguese pastries or chicken empanadas, both delicious and traditional foods of the area.
One of the most recommended restaurants in the city is the Pousada de Evora Restaurant, where you can taste the typical dishes of Alentejo. Likewise, the Cartuxa Restaurant, next to the Roman Temple, is another of the best rated by users.
It is 131.7 km from Evora to Lisbon, a one and a half hour drive.
Download the Passporter app and plan your trip in the most organised way and according to the number of days and the places you want to see in Evora.
If you are interested in learning more about how to use and get the most out of the Passporter app, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.
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