Evora is an enchanting medieval town with UNESCO World Heritage status. Filled with centuries-old churches and whitewashed buildings, it feels like stepping into a European fairy-tale. Explore ancient Roman ruins and get lost in the maze of narrow streets. A local university and a student population give the town a youthful and upbeat feel.
Things to do in Evora
Stepping inside the 14th-century walls that encircle Evora feels like travelling back in time. The historic centre is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and dotted with the remains of an ancient Roman Forum. Fronted by soaring Corinthian columns and built from granite and marble, Templo Romano is one of the most impressive sites.
Praça de Giraldo, the town’s main square, is built around a 16th-century fountain. Cafes spill out onto the cobblestones and serve treats like “queijada” sweet cheese tarts and “cericá” citrus cakes. It’s a great place to enjoy a coffee before wandering along Rua 5 de Outubro, a popular shopping street lined with artisan boutiques.
Decorated with the bones and skulls of thousands of people, Capela dos Ossos is a chapel unlike any other. Guided tours offer more information on the history of the chapel and the 17th-century monks who proposed the idea as a solution to overcrowded graveyards. The upper floor museum showcases religious art and has views over the town and surrounding countryside.
You’ll find some of the town’s best restaurants in the Moorish Quarter, an atmospheric neighbourhood filled with historic buildings. Try traditional Alentejan dishes like slow-cooked black pork and cured sheep’s cheese. Meals are best enjoyed with rich, full-bodied red wine from the Alentejo region. Venture into the countryside to visit the postcard-perfect vineyards in person.
Getting around Evora
Evora is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot, especially in the UNESCO-listed historic centre. The town is a 1.5-hour drive from Lisbon and two hours by train. Humberto Delgado Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away.