Visit Évora heritage and taste the Alentejo wines

The famous Queijinho do Céu from Évora is a convent sweet made with almond dough and a creamy egg filling. The famous Pão de Rala is a typical Alentejo sweet made with soft eggs, almonds, egg threads and chila. All accompanied with a coffee.

Walk the cobbled streets of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage city where whitewashed houses and Roman ruins share the same skyline. Évora is heir to a rich and diverse cultural heritage, built and preserved over millennia. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, its squares and monuments reflect the local and national history, religion, and culture of a people proud of their past and present. Walk through the main square Praça do Giraldo and the Roman Temple build BC in honor to Augusto Emperor.

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. 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.

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.

Step inside the Capela dos Ossos, a striking 17th-century chapel lined with human bones and filled with quiet reflection. The Chapel of Bones stands as a somber yet thought provoking testament to the transience of human life. Built 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. 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.

The lunch will be at a local restaurant to have the opportunity to taste the traditional Alentejo food in a full meal with appetizers of bread and olives, main dish of local meat or fish, drinks, desert and coffee. 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).

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. 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. Today, Cartuxa Winery produces a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and rosé varieties. Among its most celebrated offerings is the Cartuxa Red, another standout is Pêra-Manca, a premium red wine made from Trincadeira and Aragonez grapes, known for its complex flavors and exceptional quality. 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 visit includes a 90 minutes guided tour over the secular building, surrounded by vineyards, was the Jesuit retreat home (Society of Jesus), who lectured at Universidade de Évora in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is in this building full of history that the Wine Tourism visit begins, enjoying the unique surroundings of Quinta de Valbom. Discover the place’s memory, follow the technical evolution of wine production and end on a high note with the tastings of three wines, two olive oils and bread.

Drive back to Lisbon meeting point to drop off at 7pm.