Attractions and Places To See around Évora (Santo Antão) - Top 20

The cathedral is a must-visit when in Évora. The entrance fee is very reasonable! First, climb the tower and enjoy a fantastic view from the roof of the cathedral. As you descend into the cloister, the beautiful yellow light from the window immediately catches your eye. Simply fascinating!

A must-see for anyone visiting Évora. Its morbid charm is fascinating, and the thousands upon thousands of bones serve as a reminder of one's own mortality. On the ceiling, you can discover various paintings and sayings about death and dying, and I would never have imagined how decoratively the bones were arranged in the chapel.

Visiting hours: - Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM - There is a fee per visit.

The Chapel of Bones is a monument of penitential architecture. Dedicated to the Lord of the Steps, an image known to the people of Évora as the Lord Jesus of the House of Bones. It is located in the Church of São Francisco, on Largo 1° de Maio, next to the municipal market.

Giraldo Square is the main square in the city of Évora. It has undergone several changes over the years. Not so long ago, a traffic policeman stood there, directing the direction of Rua Cinco de Outubro, when cars circulated here and around the square. It was a parking lot and passenger pick-up point for a large fleet of taxis. It was the venue for meetings and business dealings among local farmers every Tuesday. Nowadays, it is largely occupied by the terraces of the surrounding restaurants and pastry shops. 👍🥾

In the historic center of the tranquil town of Évora stands the Roman Temple of Évora. The city's landmark is often also called the Temple of Diana, but historically has nothing to do with the Roman goddess of the hunt. A dedication to the highest deity Jupiter is more likely. The Roman Temple of Évora was probably built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus and later modified under Emperor Claudius. The magnificent structure reflects Roman architecture with Corinthian-style columns.

This Renaissance-style aqueduct was built between 1532 and 1537 and eventually supplied the entire population of Évora with clean drinking water. The city is located in an arid region with little rainfall throughout the year, so water had to be brought from a lake and a river several kilometers away. It connected the fountains over a distance of 18 km.

In Évora, all roads lead to Giraldo Square. It has always been this way since its construction in 1571/1573. Giraldo Square is an iconic tribute to Geraldo Geraldes, the Fearless, who conquered Évora from the Moors in 1167. In gratitude for this great feat, King Afonso Henriques appointed him mayor of the city and chief borderer of the Alentejo, a region he would help conquer. In the coat of arms of Évora, we see Geraldo Geraldes, sword in hand, on horseback, and at his feet are the heads of the Moor and his daughter, who resided in the castle the warrior attacked and where he seized the city keys. After the city of Évora fell under the Portuguese crown, its heritage, consisting of sculptures and a triumphal arch, was destroyed and the fountain, now a center of attention for Évora residents and tourists in Giraldo Square, was built. This Baroque-style fountain is made of marble and has eight spouts, each associated with a main street in Giraldo Square. A crown sits atop it. According to popular legend, Philip III of Spain, in 1619, deemed the fountain worthy of being crowned.