Evora Medieval Unesco city -Top 11 attractions
Evora Portugal, is one of the most beautiful cities in southern Portugal, and a UNESCO heritage city. Come and discover the top 11 attractions.
Evora Portugal, is one of the very few UNESCO medieval cities in Portugal. Historically, Evora has fell under Roman domination which has rewarded us with the Roman temple of Diana. In 1165 the Moors took over the city; La Mouraria and the now improved fortified walls were left behind. The kings of Portugal made this city famous and its beauty and friendly vibe speaks for itself.
But apart from all the beauty and interesting sites, another reason that makes me love Evora so much, is the happy childhood memories I have in this city. Exploring all the beautiful monuments with my parents and eating veggie soups along the way.Many years later I returned to share my love for Evora with you!
Evora Portugal: Top attractions
THE PEOPLE IN EVORA ARE THE MOST FRIENDLY
Like most places in the world, the real charm of a city or village are the people. They’re the ones who give that special vibe to a place. They’re the holders of the culture and local traditions that distinguishes their hometown from others places around the world. This is not different in Evora.
The region where Evora is located is called Alentejo and the residents are “Alentejanos”, famous for their laid back, relaxed and incredible friendly attitude. People here will welcome you with a huge smile and do everything they can to make you feel at home.
The “Alentejanos” are in my opinion, the friendliest and greatest people in Portugal and I’m sure you’ll notice that once you visit Evora.
VEGAN AND VEGETARIAN FOOD IN EVORA
Ok, I won’t lie…. the food here is extremely heavy on meat and fish and it can be very stressful for vegetarians or vegans to get by.
But, there are a few traditional vegan dishes you can find around here. One of them is the famous and cheap “sopa de legumes”, the typical vegetable soups, cheap, delicious and easy to find at any restaurant or snack bar.
The Gaspacho Alentejano, is usually vegan; a cold soup that differs from the Spanish gaspacho and it’s very typical from Alentejo, great to cool you down during the hot days. The famous “Pao Alentejano”, the typical bread from this region is the most famous all over the country. And if you want real vegan or vegetarian food, head to Salsa Verde, a beautiful vegetarian buffet restaurant that will spoil you rotten!
THE BONE CHAPEL IN EVORA IS UNIQUE
The bone chapel was supposed to be a meditation area. For monks to reflect about how fragile life is and how nothing really lasts forever.
The chapel was built without the knowledge of the Vatican, but once it was finally built, it was fortunately spared. Lucky us!
THE EVORA AQUEDUCT
I wonder if there’s any other place in the world where an ancient aqueduct incorporated the growth of a city the way Evora did…
When we walk along the beautiful Aqueduct, we bump into one of the most surprising scenes, that combines ancient and… well,a bunch of hundred year old houses that grew in between the Aqueduct pillars.
I thought the incorporation of houses underneath the aqueduct walls was really impressive.
Although not fully functioning anymore, the aqueduct is in perfect conditions and definitely one of the most interesting sites to visit. You can take the aqueduct route, a 8km long walk through the nature.
SE CATHEDRAL OF EVORA
A gorgeous and prominent Cathedral raised after the Moorish occupation came to an end. It’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary and it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Evora.
The massive wood and metal doors will leave you breathless. They’re huge!
The intrinsic marble figure carvings at the entrance of the Cathedral on the photo above, will reveal a curious collection of demons and animals underneath the Saints dresses.
The ancient metal door knobs.
ROMAN TEMPLE OF DIANA
This is one of the most important examples of a Roman ruin in Portugal. A very iconic temple located right in the center of town.
PRACA DO GIRALDO
The heart and the soul of the city of Evora, the Geraldo Square is where you’ll find the emblematic Church and fountain, the iconic image of the city of Evora.
CHURCH OF NOSSA SENHORA DA GRACA
A stunning church erected in 1155 with incredible gargoyles and huge statues on the facade…. You might notice this church its a bit stripped inside, but that’s because most of the statues and even the altar were transferred to another church.
THE WHOLE HISTORIC CITY CENTER
Everything about Evora is beautiful. Every street, every corner…. The windows of the ancient Manueline houses have some incredible carvings, unique in Portugal.
The tiny little doors that will always make you feel tall.
Evora, is such a unique little city, with its white washed walls and yellow facades.
THE WALLS OF EVORA
Evora, is a fortified city, with protective walls surrounding the historic city center.
STAYING AT A 150 YEARS OLD HOUSE / HOSTEL
Staying at a historical 150 year old house turned into a beautiful hostel in the heart of the UNESCO city center, is one of those things you have to take advantage of when visiting Evora.
A 150 year old hostel
When I found out the Old Evora Hostel was one of the traditional medieval houses within the historic center, I didn’t think twice and made a reservation for three nights. Old Evora Hostel is easy to book through Booking.com and thanks to our dear host Pedro, you’ll be welcomed with open arms and feel at home, just like I did! 100% recomnded as part of the cultural experience.
Pedro will give you a map and more info about Evora than the tourism board of the city.
Evora is part of the most ancient European towns network and is still out of the beaten path. Go there and discover it while it’s still fairly untouched by the masses.
English
Português
Thanks! You’re the greatest
Awww, you too
I lived for 3 months in Merida, the capital of Extremadura in Spain just across the boarder from Evora. I never had the chance to visit, but I hosted Couchsurfers who had come from there and they told me how nice it was. The architecture, especially the aqueduct, reminds me a lot of Merida, though!
Sam, you have to take some time off and come over to Portugal to visit Evora and taste the delicious vegan foods at the local vegetarian restaurant
Hi, Yara! This is the first time i heard about Evora. It seems to be very interesting and worth a visit if I come to Portugal
I found the somewhat oddly placed houses between aqueduct pillars super cool! Never seen something like that before