The city of Évora, capital of the Upper Alentejo, is one of Portugal’s most historically significant towns. Its rich heritage led to the historic center being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.

During the occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Évora was elevated to the status of municipium by Julius Caesar under the name Ebora Liberalitas Julia. Later, during the barbarian invasions, the city came under Visigothic rule. In 714, Évora was taken by the Moors, and in 1165, during the Christian Reconquest, it was captured from the Moors by Geraldo Sem Pavor. The city developed throughout the Middle Ages and reached its cultural and artistic peak in the 16th century. In 1559, the University of Évora was founded and entrusted to the recently established Society of Jesus (Jesuits).

Places to Visit

Évora’s historic center is one of the richest in Portugal and includes several must-see monuments

Roman Temple of Évora

One of Portugal’s most important Roman monuments, it stands at the highest point of the city and was part of the Roman forum. Built between the 1st and 3rd centuries, it is believed to have been dedicated to Emperor Augustus, though it later became known as the Temple of Diana.

Évora Cathedral (Sé)

Built between the 13th and 14th centuries in Gothic style, the Sé of Évora is one of the country’s most important medieval cathedrals, inspired by the Lisbon Cathedral.

Church of São Francisco

The Church of São Francisco features Gothic-Manueline architecture. Constructed between 1480 and 1510, it is closely tied to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, as reflected in the symbols decorating its monumental ribbed nave, including the Cross of the Order of Christ and emblems of founding kings Dom João II and Dom Manuel I.

Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos)

Located within the Church of São Francisco, this 18th-century chapel is entirely lined with human bones. Its famous inscription at the entrance reads: “We bones here, await yours”.

Palace of Dom Manuel

Of the palace built in Évora by King Manuel I in the early 16th century, the Gallery of the Ladies survives, showcasing a mix of Gothic-Mudéjar, Manueline, and Renaissance influences.

Convent of the Lóios

The church and cloister of the convent are excellent examples of Gothic-Mudéjar and Manueline architecture in Évora. The convent now houses a pousada (historic hotel).

More information is available on the official website of the Évora City Council.