Évora, about 135 km east of Lisbon in the Alentejo, is one of Portugal’s best-preserved historic cities. Its whole centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it combines Roman, medieval and Renaissance layers inside its walls.
What to see
- Roman Temple. The columns at the city’s highest point date from the 1st century and are among the best-preserved Roman remains in Portugal.
- Évora Cathedral. The largest medieval cathedral in Portugal; you can walk on the roof for views over the plain.
- Chapel of Bones. Inside the Church of St Francis, a chapel with walls lined with thousands of human bones, a memento mori.
- Praça do Giraldo. The main square and the whitewashed streets around it.
- Almendres Cromlech. Just outside the city, one of the largest groups of standing stones in the Iberian Peninsula, older than Stonehenge.
Alentejo flavours
The region is known for hearty food and wine: porco preto (black pork), bread-based soups such as açorda, local cheeses and powerful red wines. Lunch is part of the experience.
Getting there
Roughly an hour and a half by road from Lisbon. Trains and buses go there but take longer and leave you without transport to the cromlech or wineries.
Tips
- Summers are hot; start early or visit in spring and autumn.
- Check opening times; the Chapel of Bones and cathedral have visiting hours and ticket rules.
- Wear comfortable shoes for cobbles and stairs.
Our Évora private tour departs from your hotel in Lisbon and can include a wine stop on request. Request a quote.