3 Best Sights in Évora and the Alentejo, Portugal

One of the most beautiful in the region, this huge castle towers over the city. It includes an ancient porta da vila (city gate) that could be closed during attacks, a casa da guarda (guard station), and a dramatic torre do relógio (clock tower). You can climb onto the outer fortifications and walk around the complex for a 360-degree view of the town and the sweeping plains beyond. It's also a pleasant walk up to the castle through the winding, steep side streets lined with 17th-century manor houses and ornate doorways.

This former convent houses the municipal library and a gallery featuring temporary exhibitions on plastic arts. Originally erected in 1676, the building went through several extensions in the 18th century.

This church has a splendid Manueline doorway, 17th-century altar pieces, and an 18th-century organ crafted in Italy. Near the front of the church rests a beautiful 15th-century Pietà sculpture carved from local marble. On the 8th of March, the building is the hub of a citywide festival celebrating Montemor's patron saint, the 16th-century figure São João de Deus (St. John of God). A procession departs from here to the Igreja do Hospital de São João de Deus. The nave there is covered with blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from the saint's life.