Évora

Corinthian temple columns stand next to a cathedral in historic Évora, just 70 mi from Lisbon. Photos by Phillip Capper.

"From Romans to Moors to Portuguese kings, this little town has a big history."
— Rick Steves

Évora is a city of about 50,000 people in southern Portugal (70 mi east of Lisbon: two hours by bus, less by car, three hours by train).

The historic center of Évora has significant religious, historical and architectural importance, which led UNESCO to grant it World Heritage status in 1986. The Évora region has been settled since prehistoric times — megaliths from around 4,000 BC lie a few miles from the city — and in 80 BC the Roman city of Liberalitas Julia was founded here. Later, Évora was ruled by the Visigoths and then the Moors (from 715). The city was recaptured by Christians in 1166 and became a favored base for the court of the Kingdom of Portugal. The Jesuits were active here from the 16th to 18th centuries, and Évora's university was an important center of learning.

Today, the small town of Évora incorporates within its walls a variety of architectural styles (Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Baroque) that reflect its rich history. There are several sites of religious interest here, including a cathedral, a Roman temple, a Franciscan chapel decorated with human bones, and a nearby stone circle. You can even sleep in a historical religious site: many of Évora's hotels are former convents.

Évora Map
Our own detailed, interactive satellite map of Évora, plus links to more Évora maps.

Évora Hotel Reviews
Unbiased reviews, ratings and price comparisons on hotels in Évora from fellow travelers.

Évora Travel Forum
Practical travel advice and insider tips on Évora from those in the know.

Évora Day Tours from Lisbon
Based in Lisbon? You can book a full-day tour to Évora that departs from your Lisbon hotel.

Car Rentals in Portugal
A day trip to Évora (and most other sites in Portugal) is easiest with a rental car - and it's often cheaper than the train.

	Évora Cathedral (Sé) This bulky, Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is especially noted for its sculptured apostles in the portal and its claimed relic of the True Cross.
	Igreja São Francisco (Capela des Ossos) The most remarkable part of this Franciscan church is the Chapel of Bones, which was lined with human bones and skulls in the 16th century as a reminder of immortality.
	Igreja de São João Evangelista Often overlooked by visitors, this little church contains a number of interesting sights, including 18th-century tiles and a painting of a pope with moving eyes and moving feet.
	Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Graça Just east of the Roman temple is this 15th-century monastery with a notable church and cloister, part of which is now a hotel.
	Temple of Diana Dating from the 1st or 2nd century AD, the Temple of Diana is a light, graceful structure with 14 granite Corinthian columns topped by marble capitals with decorative carvings.
	Cromeleque dos Almendres (Megaliths) An ancient stone circle of 92 upright megaliths, dating from the Neolithic period (5,000-4,000 BC). It is located a few miles from Évora.