Nestled in the sun-kissed plains of Alentejo, Évora is a stunning fusion of history, culture, and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage City, with its well-preserved medieval walls, ancient Roman ruins, and charming labyrinth of streets, is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Portuguese experience. Just a two-hour drive from Lisbon and an hour from Spain, Évora is the perfect base for those who wish to explore the unique culture, cuisine, and scenic landscapes of southern Portugal.

Discover Évora: the Heart of Alentejo, Portugal’s Cultural and Culinary Jewel

A City Steeped in History
Évora’s story stretches back over 5,000 years, from its ancient Celtic roots to its Roman grandeur and its time under Moorish rule. The city’s history is etched in every stone, from the famous Roman Temple to the majestic Chapel of Bones, each telling a tale of Évora’s rich and varied past. Wander through Giraldo Square, where a grand baroque fountain once honored the town’s legendary conqueror, and explore the old town’s cobbled streets, where the echoes of past centuries still resonate.

Local Flavors and Culinary Delights
Évora is more than just a city of ancient monuments—it’s a place where food and tradition come alive. The Alentejo region is famous for its hearty, rustic cuisine, and Évora is the ideal spot to sample local delicacies. From succulent slow-cooked lamb to creamy cheeses and freshly baked breads, the flavors of the land are prominent in every dish. Pair your meal with a glass of world-class wine from the region, renowned for its bold reds and refreshing whites.

Don’t miss the chance to try açorda, a traditional Alentejan dish made with bread, garlic, olive oil, and eggs, or the region’s famed chorizo and presunto (cured ham). And, of course, no meal is complete without a glass of the area’s exceptional wine.

A Wine Lover’s Paradise
Alentejo has long been one of Portugal’s most celebrated wine regions, and Évora sits at the heart of it all. One of the region’s crown jewels is the Cartuxa Winery, located just outside the city. The winery’s roots trace back to the Carthusian monks of the 16th century, who first recognized the region’s potential for wine production. Today, Cartuxa remains a symbol of Évora’s winemaking heritage, producing premium wines that reflect the unique terroir of Alentejo.

Visitors to Cartuxa can explore its beautiful vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and taste a range of wines, from the bold Pêra-Manca red to their crisp, elegant whites. A visit to Cartuxa offers an unforgettable sensory journey, as you immerse yourself in the tastes and aromas of Alentejo’s exceptional wines.

Surf and Sun-Kissed Shores
Though Évora is an inland gem, Portugal’s stunning coastline is just a short drive away, offering a perfect mix of culture and adventure. The nearby beaches of the Alentejo are a paradise for surfers, with rolling waves and pristine sands. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or a beginner, the coast offers some of the best surf spots in Europe, perfect for catching a wave after exploring the historical wonders of Évora.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Journey
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a food lover, a wine connoisseur, or a surf seeker, Évora has something special to offer. This captivating city is a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern-day delights, waiting to be explored. Join us on a journey to Évora, where you’ll discover the soul of Alentejo through its culture, food, wine, and surf. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

What to visit in Évora?
Templo Romano: A Timeless Marvel

The Roman Temple of Évora, also known as the Templo de Diana, stands as one of the most remarkable examples of Roman architecture in Portugal. Dating back to the 1st century AD, this ancient structure has withstood the test of time and remains an awe-inspiring symbol of the city’s rich and diverse history.

Despite the centuries that have passed, the temple’s towering columns still evoke a sense of grandeur, offering a glimpse into the magnificence of Roman engineering. The temple’s remarkable preservation is a testament to the skill of its builders, as well as the significance of Évora as a key city during Roman rule.

Évora itself is a living museum, where layers of history from various civilizations have blended together over millennia. From Roman ruins to medieval structures, the city showcases the evolution of cultures that shaped it. It’s no wonder Évora earned its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Templo de Diana stands proudly as one of its most iconic landmarks, but it’s far from the only one.

The city is also home to a stunning medieval cathedral, ancient aqueducts, and winding cobblestone streets that invite exploration. Each corner of Évora tells a story, and the Roman Temple is a central piece of that narrative.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about Évora’s storied past, the Roman Temple is a must-see destination that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful Portuguese city.

Praça do Giraldo: The Heart of Évora

In the heart of Évora lies Praça do Giraldo, a vibrant square rich with history and symbolism, dedicated to one of Portugal’s most legendary figures, Geraldo Geraldes—also known as “Geraldo, the Fearless.” This square, now a bustling hub of activity, pays tribute to the warrior who, in 1167, led the conquest of Évora from the Moors.

Geraldo’s heroic feat didn’t go unnoticed. After Évora was reclaimed for the Kingdom of Portugal, King D. Afonso Henriques rewarded him by appointing him as the mayor of the city and as the chief borderer of the Alentejo region—a position that would play a crucial role in the further expansion of Portuguese territories.

The city’s coat of arms proudly depicts Geraldo on horseback, his sword drawn and at the ready. Beneath him lie the heads of a Moorish leader and his daughter, symbolizing his victory over the forces that held the castle. It was within this castle that Geraldo famously seized the keys to the city, securing his place in Évora’s history.

As the centuries passed, the square itself evolved. After the city came into Portuguese hands, much of its earlier heritage, including sculptures and a triumphal arch, were destroyed. In their place, a stunning marble fountain was erected—a striking feature that continues to draw the attention of both locals and visitors alike.

The fountain, designed in Baroque style, is adorned with eight spouts—one for each of the main streets leading into Praça do Giraldo. At its crown, there’s a symbol of royal acknowledgment: a crown, which, according to popular legend, was granted by Philip III of Spain in 1619 after he deemed the fountain worthy of such a distinction.

Today, Praça do Giraldo stands as a living tribute to the history and culture of Évora. Whether you’re there to admire its architecture, enjoy a coffee, or simply soak in the local atmosphere, this iconic square serves as a reminder of the city’s storied past and the fearless warrior who helped shape it.

Capela dos Ossos: A Reflection on Life, Death, and Eternity

Nestled in the heart of Évora, Portugal, the Chapel of Bones stands as a somber yet thought-provoking testament to the transience of human life. Built in the 17th century by Franciscan friars, this unique chapel was created to evoke contemplation on mortality and the inevitability of death, all while encouraging a life devoted to Christian faith.

Designed following a style that was fashionable during the time, the chapel’s walls and pillars are adorned with the remains of over 5,000 individuals. These corpses, exhumed from nearby burial grounds, were used to decorate the space, a chilling yet intentional reminder of the fragile nature of human existence. The friars’ purpose was clear: to show that death is not only a universal experience but also a force that calls for spiritual reflection and a commitment to eternal life.

The chapel’s interior is striking, with the bones serving as both macabre decoration and a symbol of the fleeting nature of earthly existence. The vaulted ceiling, painted in 1810, is covered with frescoes that further amplify the chapel’s themes. Biblical imagery dominates, accompanied by scenes depicting the Passion of Christ—symbols meant to guide the viewer’s thoughts towards the divine and the eternal, contrasting the temporal world with the promise of everlasting salvation.

At the exit of the chapel, an unexpected contrast awaits. Architect Álvaro Siza Vieira’s tile panel, installed on the opposite wall, depicts a powerful juxtaposition. While the chapel’s interior alludes to death, the panel represents the miracle of life, offering hope and renewal. This delicate balance of life and death, decay and resurrection, encapsulates the chapel’s deeper message: while mortality is inevitable, life—both physical and spiritual—can transcend it.

Visiting the Chapel of Bones is a haunting yet profound experience, one that asks us to reflect not only on our own mortality but also on the eternal nature of the human soul.

Adega Cartuxa: A Winery with a Rich Legacy

Located just outside the historic city of Évora, the Cartuxa Winery (Adega Cartuxa) is one of Portugal’s most distinguished wine estates. Known for producing exceptional wines from indigenous grape varieties, Cartuxa carries a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, when the Carthusian monks of the nearby Monastery of Santa Maria Scala Coeli laid the foundations for winemaking in the region.

The Cartuxa Winery’s legacy is deeply rooted in the Carthusian Monastery, which was established in the 1500s. The monks were pioneers in recognizing the potential of the local climate and soil for viticulture. They cultivated grapes that would go on to become the backbone of some of the region’s finest wines.

In the early 19th century, the monastery passed into state hands, and by the late 1800s, the winery was sold off. However, the winemaking tradition was revived in the mid-20th century under the stewardship of Vasco Maria Eugénio de Almeida, a visionary businessman and philanthropist. His leadership saw the winery expand and modernize, propelling it to prominence as one of Portugal’s leading wine producers.

After Eugénio de Almeida’s passing, he left the estate to the Eugénio de Almeida Foundation, ensuring that the land would continue to benefit the local community through educational and cultural initiatives. His philanthropic vision lives on today, not only in the wines but in the sustainable growth and development of the region.

Today, Cartuxa Winery produces a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and rosé varieties. Among its most celebrated offerings is the Cartuxa Red, a blend of traditional Portuguese grape varieties that showcases the winery’s commitment to preserving regional flavors. Another standout is Pêra-Manca, a premium red wine made from Trincadeira and Aragonez grapes, known for its complex flavors and exceptional quality. Pêra-Manca has received numerous awards and is widely regarded as one of Portugal’s finest wines.

In addition to these renowned wines, Cartuxa also produces Cartuxa Colheita, Cartuxa Reserva, and EA, which further demonstrate the winery’s expertise and dedication to quality.

Cartuxa is not just a winery; it is a symbol of the region’s broader agricultural heritage. In addition to wine production, the estate is involved in olive oil production and cork harvesting. This holistic approach to agriculture is part of the winery’s commitment to sustainability and its deep connection to the Alentejo region’s natural resources.

The Cartuxa vineyards benefit from the Mediterranean climate of Alentejo, with hot summers and mild winters—perfect conditions for growing high-quality grapes. This unique terroir, combined with the expertise of the winemakers, is key to producing wines with such depth and character.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the Cartuxa legacy, the winery offers guided tours of its vineyards and winemaking facilities. Visitors are invited to learn about the winemaking process and the history that shaped this remarkable estate. Tastings of Cartuxa’s wines are also available, providing the perfect opportunity to savor the distinct flavors that have made Cartuxa wines internationally beloved.

From its monastic beginnings to its modern-day status as a symbol of quality and tradition, Cartuxa Winery stands as a beacon of Évora’s winemaking heritage. Whether you’re a seasoned wine connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, a visit to Cartuxa promises an enriching experience that celebrates the craft, history, and passion behind every bottle.

Watch a video about “Cultural and Religious Heritage in Évora“.

As part of the upcoming European Capital of Culture in 2027, Évora promises to only grow in beauty and vibrancy in the years to come. Let us guide you to the heart of Portugal—where history, flavor, and adventure await!