Evora
This museum-city, whose roots go back to Roman times, reached its Golden Age in the 15th century, when it became the residence of the Portuguese kings. Its unique quality stems from its white-washed houses decorated with azulejos and wrought iron balconies, 16th to 18th century. Its monuments decisively influenced Portuguese architecture in Brazil.
Visit December 2002
This must be the largest disappointment of my Portugal trip. The town's beauty is sung by many guidebooks, and it has become very touristy.
Even around Christmas quite a number of tourists occupied the streets of this Spanish-looking town. The historic centre is confined within city walls, but unfortunately cars (and buses) are allowed there too.
One sight I did enjoy was the "Bone Chapel". I found it really strange to stand in a room that is built totally with cemented human bones, and a skull here and there. And then those two bodies hanging in a corner ...
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
David Crisóstomo (Portugal):
I do not understand how I can see such bad comments and opinions about the capital of Alentejo. Ebora Cerealis (roman name), is one of most amazing and monumental cities on the Iberian Peninsula. It was considered the ideal exemple of a "museum-city". I've known the city since I was litle, and it has always fascinated. My favourite places are: the Catedral and it's museum (Tesouro da Sé - Museu de Arte Sacra), the Giraldo square with the St. Antão church, the city museum, the Diana roman temple, the Loios church and convent, the St. Francisco church with the Bones chapel (capela dos Ossos) and the Graça church. Like a typical and yet sumptuous city of the south of Europe, Évora has a charm and elegance hard to find in anywere on the world. |
| Date posted: June 2008 |
Manuel Machado (Portugal):
Well, Maurizio. Next time stay less time in the Pub maybe you'll see more of magnificent Évora.
****Please i know that you will not publish this coment, but you should not publish also Maurizio's too**** |
| Date posted: January 2006 |
Ann Reeves (USA):
On a recent trip to Portugal (see Sintra reviews) I visitedv Evora. I decided to write after reading the poor review of it on this site. Yes it has become quite touristy but I imagine it has been a "tourist spot" for hundreds of years because of it's strategic location, heritage and history. If in Portugal it is a must-s The Capela dos Ossos, the Chapel of Bones (one of several in Portugal) is quite exotic, and filled with skulls and bones, quite eerie. The Temple of Diana is smaller than I had imagined but still inspiring to find in Portugal. The aqueduct is marvelous. We stayed at the very charming Estalagem Albergaria do Calvario, and it turned out to be my favorite hotel of the trip, with free internet access, great service, and wonderful rooms at mid-range prices. We ate at the Pickwick restaurant and had a tasty dinner there. Back to Evora though, one of the great things about it, talking
about a city underneath it, is that we were walking about and could see where they'd been excavating and uncovering walls and such. These areas had glass viewing windows on the
outside walls so you could see the progress. And for you shoppers out there, there is some great shopping to be had here of local craft and products from around the area. It is a good base location, and we made several day trips. What was a disappointment though was the "megalithic tour". The standing stones and "painted" caves are less than impressive, especially if you've visited Stonehenge, or seen any of the desert rock paintings in Arizona, USA or elsewhere.
The nearby town of Arrailos, where the carpets are made, is a nice side trip. The carpets are wonderful, and it is fun to see the place where alot of the carpets you see in the palaces and castles of Portugal came from. Another
interesting town we visited was Estremoz, especially on market day. So if in Portugal, include Evora on your schedule. Do the research and you'll enjoy it.
Ann Reeves, California, USA |
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Maurizio Agostini (Italy):
Apart of its outstanding cathedral (with an interesting museum) what else has to offer? |
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laura Eijkelboom-Wernsen (Netherlands):
Evora is forever in mine hart! I have worked there from may untill october. The city is full of historical monuments and each building has its own story. I have met the nicest people on earth and working there has made me to what i am today. The idea that there is a city beneath Evora is amazing. Walking in the little streets you can see a part of this city beneath you. Really impressing. I have been in many old houses and you can smell and sense the history inside! I worked in restaurant Pickwick, nearby the big square Place du Geraldo. The owners are Antoinette en Luis Linhan. I have lost contact with them becauses i have moved to another place and so do they. If someone can help me!!! I know they still work there, its a famous restaurant. They also own Mr. Snob, a restaurant-bar. There isnt a day when i think about them. Please contact me. Lots of thanks, Laura Eijkelboom-Wernsen |
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