Évora Portugal: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Évora [2025]

Located approximately 130km to the east of Lisbon, Évora is the largest city of the Alentejo region and its designated capital. With a history that dates to Celtic times, Évora boasts a rich historical background. Being famous for its impressive Roman ruins, Gothic churches, and well-preserved historic centre which was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986. Being somewhat off the beaten path, it’s also a great place to experience a slower pace of life and a more genuine Portugal. On top of that it’s also one of the best places to sample some traditional and incredible Alentejo food and wines.

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A Brief Introduction on Évora’s History

Évora’s history goes all the way back to Celtic rule in the Iberian Peninsula, the name Evora derives from ancient Celtic word Ebora which means “of the yew trees”. During the Roman Period it was enclosed by walls, and substantially developed, receiving the honorary designation of Liberalitas Julia from Julius Caesar. This period is still evident in Évora, with the Roman temple being one of the focal points of the Alentejo city.

Afterwards, the city was occupied by the Visigoths and later by the Moors, the city walls were reworked, and the defensive system improved. In 1165, the city was reconquered by Gerald the Fearless – a famed Portuguese knight. Several buildings from the Medieval period still exist, one of the most prominent being the cathedral. Évora reached its golden age in 15th century after it became the place of residency of Portuguese royalty. At this time several religious buildings and royal palaces were constructed, in what would lead Évora to become Portugal’s second city.

What to See and Do in Évora

Evora’s narrow streets hide many pretty corners, public squares, and it’s a small enough to wonder and get lost in without having to worry about losing your bearings.

Mercado Municipal – Municipal Market of Évora

Our visit starts in Évora’s municipal market located at Praça 1º de Maio. Different from most mercados, this one consists of two constructions. A main building for local produce, cheeses, cured meat, bread, etc. And a separate smaller building exclusively for fresh fish.

The main section of the market was built in 1880, featuring a wrought-iron structure commissioned by Companhia Perseverança, like many other traditional markets across the country, symbolizing the 19^th century Portuguese iron architecture (arquitetura do ferro). The annexed fish market was built in 1903 inspired by the now demolished Mercado da Praça da Figueira in Lisbon. In 2005, both buildings were modernised to accommodate a total of 56 stalls, some of them accessible from the outside.

Nowadays, it also houses some restaurants and snack-bars, and even a tap room of Alentejo’s craft beer, Magnífica. Most of them with outdoor sitting, so it’s a lovely place to stop for refreshments. The atmosphere is even livelier on Saturdays, where farmers gather outside the market to sell their produce. And every second Sunday of the month, you can also shop antiques and collectors’ pieces. For those visiting during weekdays, just keep in mind that the market is closed on Mondays.

Praça do Giraldo – Giraldo’s Square

Now we head further into the city’s historic center via Romão Ramalho Street towards Praça do Giraldo, our next stop. The 13th century square is named after Geraldo sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless) a knight responsible for retaking several towns in the Alentejo region during the Christian reconquest. The most important and long lasting being the reconquest of Évora from Moorish rule in 1165.

The rectangular square is paved with the traditional calçada portuguesa in geometric patterns, and surrounded by buildings with matching stone façades, tall windows, and small wrought-iron balconies. On the eastern side of the square, some shops and restaurants are sheltered by an arcade with arches of different heights and sizes, including the historic Café Arcada.

One of the most important buildings of Praça do Giraldo is Igreja de Santo Antão, but other buildings are also worth mentioning such as 16^th century agency of Banco de Portugal (Portugal’s Central Bank) directly opposite the church, and the tourism office on the western side.

Fonte da Praça do Giraldo – Fountain of Giraldo’s Square

One of the focal points of the square is the Renaissance white marble fountain, Fonte da Praça do Giraldo. Built in 1571 it replaced a previous more rudimentary fountain from 1537 following the conclusion of the construction of the aqueduct Água das Pratas which ended on the fountain. The fountain has 8 pumps which are believed to symbolize the number of streets that connect the square with the rest of the city. Though nowadays the water is not deemed safe for consumption, it was for many centuries, one of the main sources of water in Évora.

Throughout the centuries, the square staged several social and cultural activities, including a daily market before the construction of the municipal market, and even bullfights. These days, it’s still a focal point for social interaction, and a lovely place to enjoy a cup of coffee and the slower pace of inland Portugal.

Catedral de Évora – Cathedral of Évora

Now it’s time to head to one of the most famous monuments of the city: the medieval Cathedral of Évora. It’s about a 3-minute walk from Praça do Giraldo, and you just have to head up Rua Cinco de Outubro, the narrow street on the east side of Praça do Giraldo sandwiched between the arches, as it will take you straight to the cathedral’s main entrance.

The fortified church is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, and one of the finest exemplars of the transition from the Romanesque to the Gothic style. It’s also known as Catedral de Santa Maria, as it is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Its construction started in 1186, following the Christian reconquest of Évora, being consecrated in 1204, and only finished in 1250.

The main façade was built with pink granite bricks, featuring two main towers and a portal with Gothic sculptures of the Apostles sustained by marble columns decorated with floral patterns.

The interior of the church is just as grand as the exterior, with the imposing height of the central Gothic nave, and several pieces that deserve a closer look, such as the 16^th century organ commissioned by Heitor Lobo. And the main chapel in the Baroque style, contrasting with the main features of the church, with its beautiful altar in a mix of white, yellow, black, and pink marble.

Most visitors, however, are more interested in the rooftop of the church, to both take a closer look at the picturesque dome. And to appreciate stunning views of Évora and surroundings, including the nearby Roman temple – Templo de Diana. The entry fee is 4€, and it includes visiting the church, cloister, the rooftop, and the Sacred Art Museum in a connected annex.

Templo Romano de Évora – Templo de Diana

Once you exit the cathedral, turn right towards Largo do Conde de Vila Flor and you will see one of the finest symbols of the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula – the emblematic Roman Temple of Évora, or the ruins of it. Believed to date back to the 1^st century CE, the temple was dedicated to emperor Augustus, although until the 1990’s it was wrongly assumed it was built to honour the ancient goddess of the hunting, the moon and chastity – Diana. To present day the temple is still colloquially called Templo de Diana.

The temple was the centre of the main public square of Roman Évora, known as Liberalitas Iulia Ebora back in the day. The original temple was surrounded by a water tank believed to be connected to the aqueduct. Throughout the centuries, it was used in several different ways, going from a religious building to a fortified house, and later even a slaughterhouse. Its architecture also suffered several changes. Between the 14^th and 19^th centuries, its columns were enclosed by walls that were only demolished in 1971 when it was ordered that all non-roman features were to be removed.

The Roman temple is surrounded by many other significant buildings, such as the public library, Igreja dos Lóios, and National Museum of Friar Manuel do Cenáculo. Just opposite the temple there’s the lovely Jardim Diana, which is the perfect stop point for contemplating the temple, and yet another great place to get some refreshments from one of the kiosks nearby.

Aqueduto da Água da Prata

For those interested in diving deeper into Évora’s architecture, head to Rua do Cano on the lower part of Évora to check out Aqueduto da Água da Prata. It’s only a 10-minute walk from Praça do Giraldo. As you head there make sure you stop at Largo Luiz Camões, this way you get to see how the aqueduct is integrated into the historic downtown.

With an 18km extension, it was built in the 16^th century over what is believed to be the foundations of a Roman period aqueduct, which is assumed to be much higher. It was designed to take water to the highest part of city, where the temple and old forum were located. Supplying three main fountains, including Fonte da Praça do Giraldo, where the people of Évora would gather to collect water. The aqueduct is still operational to these days.

As you walk alongside the aqueduct in Rua do Cano, you will see that several arches have tiny yellow houses embedded in them. With a total of 30 buildings merged with the arches. We also recommend taking a look at the renaissance water tank in Rua Nova which is a couple of meters away from the main square.

Capela dos Ossos – Évora’s Bone Chapel

If you have already visited Mercado Municipal de Évora, you probably noticed Igreja de São Francisco just across the street. This Gothic-Manueline style church belongs to the convent of same name. Although less imposing than the city’s cathedral, it’s just as busy. In fact, those that don’t have much time often favour visiting Igreja de São Francisco over the city’s cathedral. That’s because it houses Portugal’s largest bone chapel.

With bones of approximately 5.000 people, the chapel was built in the late 16^th century by Franciscan monks. The chapel was built to clear out valuable lands across the city, back then being used as monastic graveyards. The monks then decided that displaying the bones would be a good way of meditating on the transience of life. This motive is clear in the message above the chapel entrance, which reads “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” literally meaning “We bones that are here, await for yours”.

Entrance fee is 6€ per person, and it includes visiting the chapel, museum, and seeing the collection of nativity scenes made by artists from all over the world.

Jardim Público de Évora

Not far from the municipal market, is the Public Garden of Évora. A 3-acre Romantic style garden laid out in 1863 by Italian architect Giuseppe Cinatti. It is another lovely place to take a break from sightseeing, as it offers plenty of shade, two kiosks for refreshments, and even a little park for children. With the bonus of colourful peacocks and ducks that live there. During spring the garden is even more lovely with wisterias, hydrangeas and bougainvilleas in full bloom.

The garden is also packed with monuments and historic buildings, such as the the 19^th century wrought iron bandstand. And the remaining segments of former royal residence Palacio de D. Manuel.

Amidst the trees of the garden, there are also the ‘fake ruins’ or Ruínas Fingídas, also a project of the original architect. These fabricated ruins have the city’s medieval wall as the main structure, combining Manueline style double windows retrieved from the demolished Paço Eborense dos Condes do Vimioso. Despite not being legitimate in their layout, this is a very picturesque construction playing into the Romantic style of the garden. It’s also loved by the peacocks that wonder around its walls and arches.

Traditional Pastries in Évora

Being the capital of the Alentejo region, Évora is a great place to try the so called doces conventuais, and some other traditional pastries unlikely to be found outside of Alentejo. In Praça do Giraldo you will find several pastelarias with a great variety of pastries and cakes, and of course the celebrated pastel de nata. If you feel like stepping out of your pastry comfort zone, we recommend you try pão de rala.

On the outside it resembles a crusty bread roll, but once you take a bite you are surprised with a very moist filling made of eggs, sugar, almonds, lemon zest and gila – a type of squash loved by the Portuguese. Our favorite place to go for a coffee and a pastry is Gema d’Évora, but we also recommend its neighbour Café Arcada, both located at Praça do Giraldo.

Organised Tours to Évora

At just over an hour from Lisbon, it’s a popular day trip and makes a great alternative to the more typically recommended Sintra and Óbidos. Several tours are available that will take you to nearby Monsaraz, or a vineyard, before returning you to Lisbon – a great way to sample the Alentejo region!

Most of these are large group tours, or coach trips that will start in Lisbon and bring you back in the same day, but if you’re willing to up your budget you’ll find private options as well! For those already in Évora, then a great addition to your trip is a cork tour, taking you out into the nearby forests to show you how cork is harvested, and processed. A great insight into locale industry.

Here’s our pick of our favourite and best reviewed tours:

Somewhere to Stay in Évora

Évora is definitely more of traditional town than a tourist destination compared to the Algarve or Lisbon. However, you’ll still find plenty of good options for overnight stays, and even longer if you wish! For a luxurious stay within the walls we recommend the Évora Olive hotel. More budget travellers can take a look at the Hotel Ibis Evora, just a short walk outside the walls it’s a solid option if you’re not fussy about the amenities and you just want to explore the town! You can take a look at the full range of options in Évora with this list here!

Should You Visit Évora

Évora is a fantastic town to visit, and even base yourself in to explore the serene Alentejo. Surrounded by authentic sites, and the incredible local food, Évora makes a good day trip, or a great stopping point for longer trips. For travellers making their way between Lisbon and the Algarve we recommend at least taking the inland route with a stop in Évora for one of your directions of travel.