Évora Things to Do Tips by johnsakura Top 5 Page for this destination

Convento da Cartuxa Monasteries&Convents Review

This convent produces everything it needs for its monks. They don't go out. There are two distinct monasteries. This is the one inside the walls of the fortress. The monks that live here are in "Clausura" system which means that they dont get out of the monastery.
Women can't visit this monastery. To go here you have to go direction Arraiolos all turn right when you see the road sign.
They sell a very tasty wine (from what people tell me, i can't really tell you my opinion on this matter cos i dont drink alcohol).

Convento do Calvario Monasteries&Convents Review

This convent has always been a very off the beathen path for me actually. but since i went there for the first time and now that i have an appointment to go inside, i no longer consider it as so. Its quite easy to see this convent but since i always pass in this area with the car, i've neve had time to go out and see whats going on there.

here in this convent, Infanta D. Maria of Portugal sponsored the literacy circle where the Sigeias sisters from Toledo, Paula Vicente and Ana Vaz pontificated. The coisters follow the style of Toscan Orden, designed by the architect Afonso Alvares in 1569 to 1570.

Address: Rua Candido dos Reis

Directions: Right on the Porta de Lagoa after the outside castle wall avenue of Lisboa.

Sunset in Diana's Garden Gardens Review

The Diana Garden won this name to be in front of the roman temple which is called "Templo de Diana". People think it was made as a tribute to Diana the hunting Goddess but it wasnt. In fact no one knows why it is here but for sure specialists know that not for Diana. This temple is from 1st century AD and belongs to Corinthian style the only example in the country.

Also can be seen from the garden also looking East, side to the roman temple you have the Convento dos Loios and far far up you can notice the top of the Cathedral. The Museum and the Municipal Library can also be seen from here.

From this garden you can enjoy a very nice view to the lower North and Northwest part of town where before was the arab district. Arab after were all taken from this place and put a bit more South of town near the Portas de Moura (Moor's door).
From this sightseeing place you have also on your right side, the Palace Paços dos Condes de Basto, a magnificient construction with a huge castle tower. D Fernand II Duke of Bragança was sentenced to death here in 1483, altough the building already existed back in the people's revolt of 1384 in favor of Master of Aviz when the castle burnt.

Convento do Calvário and Silver Water Aqueduct Monasteries&Convents Review

This is the outside view of this amazing complex. Theres something being constructes in front of it on the other side of the raod so I thing this view is no longer be suitable to enjoy since some kind of building will close this amazing visibility of the convent and surrounding buildings.

The coisters inside follow the style of Toscan Orden, designed by the architect Afonso Alvares in 1569 to 1570.

To go in you have to go inside the city entrance door of Porta de Lagoa, go around the convent's building and turn the first right. You'll see an arch. You have to knock at the first door on your right side just after the arch. Some nun will come to the door. just ask to go in and see the convent.

On this picture and since you're seing Evora from the outside part of the walls, the "Aqueduto da Agua de Prata" or in english the Silver Water Aqueduct from renaissance architecture designed by Fransisco de Arruda (born in Evora). By its importance and by the fact of being a large sized construction, importante people like Luis de Camoes and Joao de Barros came here to celebrate back in 1531.

Address: Rua Candido dos reis

Directions: Right on the Porta de Lagoa after the outside castle wall avenue of Lisboa.

Painted Roman Houses Castle walls Review

This is also inside the Ministry of Culture, aside from the first wall of the city in the roman period.
You can notice how the colors were used to paint houses. Very interesting place to visit. For me, its almost one of the most important places to visit while in Evora.
These painted Roman houses are dated from the 1st Century.

Directions: Ministry of Culture building, House of Burgos, Alcárcova de Cima.

First Roman Wall Castle walls Review

Old Walls. Partially camouflaged by medieval and renascentista urbanism, Évora conserves important vestiges of its older wall structure, called "Cerca Velha". Although its origins must retrace to Century III, time where many peninsular cities strenghten, great part of the structure that arrived until us is resulted of posterior workmanships. Its reconstruction in the beginning of Century X is particularly well registered, at full Islamic time. On the picture is the chunk of wall from Alcárcova de Cima, integrated in the House of Burgos, where the overlapping of the wall is visible.

This could be a very difficult place to visit because its inside the Ministry of Culture. Although it is now very suitable to be visited the door is permanently closed. This is the first wall constructed by Romans in Evora.

Address: Largo Vasco da Gama

Directions: Ministry of Culture building, House of Burgos, Alcárcova de Cima.

Roman Arch of D. Isabel Castle walls Review

The "arch of D. Isabel" designating one of the old doors of the Roman wall .This old arch near the post office that give access to Dona Isabel Street, is one of the few Roman Walls still remaining after all these years. This was one of Gates to the Roman City of Ebora, its classified has National Monument. The town castle walls had different time construtions and was being updated has the times were passing by and the city growing. Evora has 3 distinctive defense walls system in 3 different times. Its nice how you can actually notice them. There are some unknow spots whre you have to ask and find the first castle walls ion the city. If you go to the Ministry of Culture building and ask for "muralhas" or castle walls you'll be able to go down and see Evora's first defense wall ever built by romans. long time ago indeed. Tellme when you're comming and I show them to you persnally. You can also see in the same place some roman houses still with frescoes inside. Very nice paintings also.

The roman temple The Roman Temple Review

Situated in the top North of the old Roman "forum", the main public square of the Roman city , the temple popularly called "of Diana", is a construction of century I and, for its great dimensions (24,60x14,19m) and localization, it must have been dedicated to the cult of the Emperor, possibly to the proper Augustus. Recent archaeological activity confirm that in the left side of the Temple was fit for tanks, creating a rare effect of water mirror, and that the forum would be encircled by a monumental porticada gallery.
info on the picture:
Today 19.01.04 the day was great. Very nice color this one that gives a very nice ambiance on the Lois church along with the temple.

Address: Largo Conde Vila Flor

Directions: In front of the Museum and Library

CIty council of Évora (1891-1912) Palaces Review

Old Palace of the Condes de Sortelha, readjusted. It contains in its interior a important Roman structure.

Carried through recent archaeological activity in the interior of the building archaelogists have come to disclose of the existence of significant vestiges of a great health-resort, certainly the Public Spas of the Roman city Ebora Liberalitas Julia. The conserved installations of the "Laconicum", warm room integrating a great circular tank for the vapor banns.

Arab influenced city Gardens Review

This can be seen from the Diana's garden right in front of the Roman Temple. Perfect place to enjoy the city's arab narrow street influence and also the sunset at Alto de Sao Bento by the end of the day.
Between the 8th and 13th centuries, the Arabs dominated an important part of the coast and the southern area of the country, leaving their imprint on monuments, architecture, traditions, and popular customs, including language and cuisine.