Évora: The Complete Guide
Évora, the capital of Alto Alentejo and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a fascinating mix of historical styles and architectural wonders that belies its small size and location. The town’s medieval walls have preserved it as a living museum, with sixteenth- and seventeenth-century homes with ornate tile patios lining its cobblestone streets. Moorish-inspired arches, arcades, and bubbling fountains dot the town’s squares, adding to its charm.
Évora has been the home of many conquerors throughout its history, leaving behind their own unique architectural marks. Even the Romans, during Julius Caesar’s time, knew the town as Liberalitas Julia. During the reign of João III in the sixteenth century, Évora became the Montmartre of Portugal, a hub for avant-garde artists like the famous playwright Gil Vicente.
Despite its attractions, Évora remains a sleepy provincial capital today, although it is acutely aware of its cultural heritage. Local historians recommend seeing at least 59 monuments, but visitors can capture the essence of the town by exploring only a fraction of them. While Évora is a popular day trip from Lisbon, it is a long journey that may not allow enough time to fully appreciate the town’s beauty.
Visiting Évora for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Évora on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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10 Best places to See in Évora
This complete guide to Évora not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Évora and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Evora walls
Location: Muralhas de Évora, Beco da Horta da Porta, Evora, Portugal | Distance: 0.30km
Visiting Evora walls
Praça do Giraldo
Location: Praça do Giraldo, Evora, Portugal | Distance: 0.40km
Visiting Praça do Giraldo
Igreja de São Francisco & Capela dos Ossos
Location: Igreja de São Francisco, Praça 1º de Maio, Évora, Portugal | Hours: 9am-6.30pm Jun-Sep, to 5pm Oct-May | Price: adult/student €5/3.50 | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Igreja de São Francisco & Capela dos Ossos
Agua de Prata Aqueduct
Location: Acueducto de Agua de Plata, Rua do Muro, Evora, Portugal | Distance: 0.50km
Visiting Agua de Prata Aqueduct
Évora Roman Temple
Location: Templo Romano Évora, Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, Evora, Portugal | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Évora Roman Temple
Museu de Évora
Location: Museu de Évora, Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, Evora, Portugal | Hours: 9.30am-5.30pm Tue-Sun | Price: adult/child €3/free | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Museu de Évora
Évora Cathedral
Location: Cathedral of Évora, Largo do Marquês de Marialva, Evora, Portugal | Hours: 9am-5pm | Price: €2.50 cathedral & cloister, with towers €3.50, with museum €4.50 | Distance: 0.60km
Visiting Évora Cathedral
Universidade de Évora
Location: Universidade de Évora, Largo dos Colegiais, Evora, Portugal | Hours: Main building 9am-8pm Mon-Fri, to 6pm Sat | Price: €3 | Distance: 0.70km
Visiting Universidade de Évora
Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
Location: Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Portugal | Distance: 9.50km
Visiting Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
Almendres Cromlech
Location: Almendres Cromlech, Almendras, Portugal | Distance: 12.90km
Visiting Almendres Cromlech