Evora

Evora (EH-voh-rah) is a 2.5 hour drive north of Lagos in the heart of Alentejo province.  It's the hottest part of Portugal and in the summer is very arid and dry with temperatures in the 40's (104f) but today it was a lush green and 17c (63f) as we drove past groves of cork and olive trees as well as many wineries, cattle and sheep ranches.  Evora has a well preserved old town, partially enclosed by 2km of medieval walls.  It has been an important and prosperous town for over 2,000 years.  Romans, Moors and Portuguese Kings have all left there mark here.  Evora's Old Town's centuries old streets are very narrow with cobbled stone pathways which are well preserved and protected by law.  We are staying for 2 nights in a delightful 22 room boutique hotel inside Old Town that used to be a 16th century olive mill. There is only us and another couple staying here and the hotel will shut down the day we leave.  All churches and museums are closed as well most shops and restaurants are closed due to the Covid-19.  Evora is such a wonderfully preserved old town that we will definitely come back to fully explore all its historic sites.

 Lots of history in this area that is not part of the tourist route.  We stopped off the highway to take a picture of this majestic castle overlooking the tiny village of Portel.

There have been 3 protective walls built as Evora expanded.  The first was the Roman wall from the 3rd century, second came the Visigoth wall from the 7th century and finally the Portuguese walls that we currently see from the 15th century. 

The Evora Aqueduct as it crosses the medieval walls on its way to the city center.  It was one of the Iberian Peninsula's (Portugal and Spain) greatest 16th century building projects.  The 18km (11m) aqueduct was completed in 1537 to bring fresh drinking water to Evora.

As the Aqueduct enters the city people started building homes and shops between the arches.

The Baroque styled Lord Jesus Poverty Church was completed in 1729. It is permanently closed until renovations can make it safe for people to enter.

Since the 13th century all streets lead to Giraldo Square, the heart of Evora.  In the 16th century it became the scene of gruesome public burning's of victims of the Inquisition.  Today it is normally packed with tourists and outdoor cafes.

Completed in 1511 Graca church and convent is now used by the Portuguese Armed Forces.

This Roman Temple is believed to have been constructed in the 1st century in honor of Augustus, the Roman Emperor.  It was mostly destroyed in the 5th century by invading Germanic peoples.  The ruins of the temple were incorporated into a tower of the castle of Evora during the Middle Ages.  The building was a butcher shop from the 14th century until 1838, helping to preserve the temple ruins from complete destruction.  In 1869 the tower structure was demolished to allow for the restoration of the Roman Temple.  It took 3 years to complete and the result is what we see today.   

One of the narrow, cobbled streets in Evora with its whitewashed buildings. Many have a traditional yellow trip which was believed to ward off evil spirits entering the home.

Located on the highest point in the city, the Cathedral of Evora was completed in 1250 with  additions added in the 15th and 16th centuries.  It is the largest medieval Cathedral in Portugal.

The two massive red granite towers of the Cathedral were completed in the early 16th century

The Wisteria were in full bloom in mid March in Evora's public park