Évora, in Portugal’s Alentejo region, is located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Lisbon and about 3 hours from the Algarve. The Alentejo extends south of Lisbon to the Spanish border and west to the Atlantic Ocean, encompassing nearly a third of the country in wide, open landscapes.

The journey itself is he drive becomes a defining experiences, where roads unfold through rolling fields and gentle hills, passing cork oak forests, olive groves, marble quarries, and vast stretches of wheat where cattle and sheep graze under expansive skies. The scenery feels spacious and unhurried, offering a true sense of Portugal’s rural character long before reaching Évora and other destinations in the Alentejo region of Portugal.

Nestled in the sun-drenched plains south of Lisbon, the Alentejo is the rural heart of Portugal—a landscape of iconic rolling golden wheat fields, silvery olive groves, and the world’s most extensive cork forests. At its center stands Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage “museum-city” where layers of history unfold like pages in an ancient manuscript.

In the Alentejo towns and villages we might say the vibe is rustic, “slow,” and vast. Covering nearly a third of the country, the Alentejo is a land of rolling golden plains and cork forests. It feels like stepping back in time to a simpler, rural way of life that’s often likened to a more rustic, less-crowded version of Tuscany or Provence.

At the center of this vast region stands Évora, a UNESCO-listed “museum-city” where layers of history are visible at every turn and within its compact historic center, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance influences coexist in remarkable harmony.

Wandering through the Old Town feels like stepping back through millennia, yet the presence of a university keeps the city lively and youthful. Among its many landmarks are the 1st-century Roman Temple of Évora, one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula, and the imposing Évora Cathedral, built of massive granite and offering sweeping views from its rooftop. A short walk away, the hauntingly beautiful Capela dos Ossos draws visitors with its interior walls lined with human bones, a striking meditation on history and mortality.

These are only a few highlights among many churches, convents, palaces, and quiet squares waiting to be discovered. Évora rewards slow exploration. Staying overnight allows you to experience the town after day visitors leave, when the streets grow quieter and the golden Alentejo light softens the whitewashed façades. However, a well-planned day trip can provide a meaningful introduction to one of Portugal’s most historic and atmospheric destinations.

The Portuguese are known for beautiful azuleijos, many from the 16th and 17 centuries are still found such as these below in the Igreja da Misericordia in Evora, which every visitor must add to their itinerary. For our tour we’ll focus on several of the most recognized and visited by tourists – just one of the magical places you’ll encounter in Evora.

Roman Temple of Evora

Among Évora’s must-see attractions, the iconic Roman Temple of Évora—often mistakenly referred to as the Temple of Diana—tops the list as one of the best-preserved Roman structures on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the 1st century AD with its towering Corinthian columns offering a stunning focal point in the historic center.

Directly next to the Roman Temple is the pousada of Loios, part of the Pousada of Portugal hotel’s, located in the convent of an order of Catholic monks. The interior of the Pousada is grandiose with marble columns and painted ceilings, original monks quarters converted into luxurious rooms, and the cloister and monk’s Meeting Room with it’s original marble stalls.

[ Reserve at Pousada of Loios]

Reserve your stay at the Pousada of Loios

Praça do Giraldo

Praça do Giraldo, the vibrant heart of historic Évora, serves as the lively central square where every narrow cobbled street in the old town seems to converge, drawing both locals and tourists into its welcoming embrace. Named after Giraldo the Fearless, the Christian knight who dramatically recaptured the city from Moorish rule in 1165, the pedestrian-friendly plaza has been the focal point of Évora for centuries, evolving from a medieval marketplace to today’s relaxed gathering spot. 

At its center stands the elegant 16th-century Henriquina fountain (Chafariz Henriquino), a graceful marble structure with eight spouts symbolizing the eight streets radiating outward, surrounded by the distinctive black-and-white Portuguese pavement patterns that create a striking geometric floor underfoot. Flanking one side is the imposing white-and-stone facade of the Church of Santo Antão, with its twin bell towers and baroque details rising above the scene, while graceful arcades line the other edges, sheltering rows of charming cafés, restaurants, and shops with outdoor tables shaded by umbrellas.

Visitors love lingering here over a coffee or pastel de nata, soaking in the Alentejo sunshine, watching people stroll by, and feeling the gentle buzz of daily life in this UNESCO-listed gem—it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the Roman temple, cathedral, and Chapel of Bones nearby, or simply enjoying the timeless atmosphere of one of Portugal’s most enchanting historic squares. The many times we’ve been here have often been sipping a delicious regional Alentejana wine.

Chapel of Bones

Don’t miss the eerie yet profound Chapel of Bones within the Church of São Francisco, where walls adorned with over 5,000 human skulls and bones serve as a 17th-century memento mori, reminding visitors of life’s fleeting nature.  It’s a stark reminder of life’s fragility and the equality of all in death with more than 5000 human bones lining the walls, columns and ceiling.

The bones used in the construction were taken from the many cemeteries in the city of Évora, which was experiencing a space shortage, the monks decided to use the bones from the old graves to build the chapel. The chapel is a unique example of penitential architecture and is a,must-visit,site in Évora, which is a UNESCO World Heritage City. 

“Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos”

… which translates to “Our bones that are here, for yours we wait.”

Although the 5000 bones are from unknown persons, there are some identification of a few. At the back of the Chapel of Bones is a highly detailed gold altar with a statue of Jesus on the cross. In front of this, is the tomb of Bishop Jacinto Carlos da Silveira, who died in 1808 when Napoleon’s French army invaded. This is the only named body in the whole Chapel.

University of Evora – an Ancient Center of Learning with an Interesting History

While Évora is famous for its Roman ruins and bone-filled chapels, there is a quieter, scholarly magic tucked away in the Colégio do Espírito Santo. This isn’t just a relic of the past; it is the beating heart of the University of Évora, where centuries of academic prestige meet a surprisingly vibrant student energy.

A Legacy of Learning

Founded by Cardinal D. Henrique in 1559, this was the second university ever established in Portugal. For two hundred years, it was a Jesuit stronghold of philosophy and theology until shut down during a period of religious reform under the Marquis of Pombal. The halls sat silent for over two centuries, finally reopening their doors to students in the 1970s.

What makes this campus a “must-see” isn’t just the history, but the Azulejos. Forget the standard whiteboards of modern universities; here, the classrooms are wrapped in stunning 17th and 18th-century blue and white tiles. Each room’s artwork was designed to match the subject being taught.

If you’re standing in the Mathematics room, the walls depict geometric proofs; in the Physics wing, you’ll find tiles illustrating gravity and motion. It was the ultimate “visual aid” for students hundreds of years before Powerpoint existed.

Discover Alentejo’s Culinary Heart: A Gastronomic Journey Through Évora

And finally, what you have been waiting for … Food, Wine and Artisan Products from the Alentejo

The Alentejo is rightly celebrated as a worthy representative of the Mediterranean diet — an eating tradition prized for its simplicity, freshness, and deep connection to local ingredients. Here, traditional Portuguese food isn’t just a meal — it’s part of daily life, where every dish tells a story rooted in centuries-old agricultural practice and regional identity. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to taste iconic dishes that are deeply rooted in the rhythms of Alentejo farming and table culture:

• Lamb Stew (ensopado de borrego): A comforting classic, where tender lamb simmers slowly with herbs and robust olive oil, infusing every spoonful with rich, soulful flavor and the essence of the Alentejo plains.
• Black Pork (porco preto): This local culinary treasure comes from free-range pigs that roam oak-studded pastures. Porco preto is succulent and deeply savory, often grilled or roasted to perfection — a highlight of traditional Portuguese cuisine.
• Bread-Based Soups (açorda): More than a soup, açorda reflects generations of resourceful cooking — day-old bread soaked in garlic-infused broth, crowned with herbs and olive oil for a truly heartwarming experience.
• Dogfish Soup: Coastal influence meets inland tradition in this rustic fish soup. Made with aromatic herbs and local bread, it’s a comforting regional classic that showcases Alentejo’s blend of land and sea flavors.

These savory delights are elevated by local ingredients that define Alentejo’s palate: fragrant coriander, aromatic mint, earthy oregano, robust olive oil, and pungent garlic. Each ingredient may seem humble alone, but together they create a mosaic of flavor as distinctive as the region’s landscapes.

Sweet Endings Born in Convents

No exploration of Alentejo’s gastronomy would be complete without sampling its renowned conventual sweets — desserts with origins in the monastic kitchens where nuns perfected egg-and-almond confections that continue to delight today:

• Pão de Rala: A delicate, traditional sweet pastry rich with almond and egg yolk, offering subtle aromas and texture that reflect Évora’s historic bakery craft.
• Queijadas d’Évora: Small, custard-like treats that combine simple ingredients into creamy sweetness and are beloved throughout the region.
• Sericaia: A soft, silky classic often paired with local plums — the perfect finale to a savory meal.

These sweets are more than desserts; they’re edible history — reminders of a time when sugar and spice were precious, and every bite was crafted with care and tradition.

Artisanal Traditions and Craftsmanship

… And the Magic of Cork!

The sun-drenched plains and rolling hills of the Alentejo region in Portugal are also a cradle of creativity, where traditional artisanal crafts flourish. Each piece tells a story, rooted in generational skill and a deep connection to regional materials. These aren’t just souvenirs; they are handcrafted treasures, vibrant reminders that in the Alentejo, culture isn’t just observed — it’s made. From vast forests of cork trees to quiet workshops, tradition is alive, tangible, and utterly captivating.

While the Alentejo boasts a rich tapestry of crafts, let’s zoom in on one of its most remarkable and sustainable materials: cork.

The Versatility of Alentejo Cork: More Than Just a Stopper

When you think of cork, you might immediately picture the stopper in a bottle of fine wine. And while the Alentejo is indeed home to vast cork oak forests, providing the world with this essential product, the ingenuity of its artisans takes cork far beyond the vineyard. Imagine the elegant simplicity of a handcrafted cork coaster, protecting your table while adding a touch of natural warmth. your umbrella made of cork and even wine and olive oil decanters.

The artisans of Alentejo skillfully transform this sustainable material into a myriad of objects, blending utility with undeniable beauty. Images shows cork that’s been stripped from the tree and undergone a process that allows forming these square sheets of cork that will be sent to make a myriad of products. like the decanters shown below.

Beyond Cork: A Symphony of Materials

While cork is a star, the Alentejo’s artisanal landscape is rich and diverse:

• Clay, Wrought Iron, Leather, Horn: Craftsmen throughout the region shape these natural materials into objects of both beauty and utility. From traditional clay pots used for generations to finely tooled leather goods and intricate wrought iron pieces, each item reflects a profound understanding of the material and a dedication to skill.
• Textiles: Wander through artisan shops, and you’ll discover the world-renowned Arraiolos tapestries, delicate lace, and intricate hand-embroidered fabrics. These textiles are not just decorative; they are narratives woven with patience, precision, and a unique local aesthetic heritage.

Experience Alentejo’s Craft Culture

Visiting the Alentejo is an opportunity to connect with a living tradition. Explore local markets, step into the workshops of skilled artisans, and witness firsthand the dedication that goes into each handmade creation. When you take home a piece of Alentejo craftsmanship, you’re not just acquiring an object; you’re preserving a story, supporting a community, and holding a tangible piece of Portuguese culture.

Plan your trip to the Alentejo and immerse yourself in a world where tradition is truly alive and handcrafted.

If you’re looking for a customisable private guided tour of the Evora, the Alentejo, throughout Portugal and Spain,  click here and complete the form to tell me what you’re interested in so that I can connect you with the most suitable tour operator or plan the perfect tailor made vacation. If you have a tour planned and want expert guidance we offer a professional planning service that includes help with identifying places to visit and logistics.

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