Évora and the Alentejo
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Évora and the Alentejo - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
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1. Igreja de São Francisco
After the Sé, this is the most impressive of Évora's churches. Its construction in the early 16th century, on the site of a former Gothic chapel, involved the greatest talents of the day, including Nicolas Chanterene, Oliver of Ghent, and the Arruda brothers, Francisco and Diogo. Magnificent architecture notwithstanding, the bizarre Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is the main attraction. The translation of the chilling inscription over the entrance reads, "We, the bones that are here, await yours." The bones of some 5,000 skeletons dug up from cemeteries in the area line the ceilings and supporting columns. With a flair worthy of Charles Addams, a 16th-century Franciscan monk placed skulls jaw-to-cranium so they form arches across the ceiling; arm and leg bones are neatly stacked to shape the supporting columns.
Praça 1 de Maio, Évora, Évora, 7000-650, Portugal266 704 521Sight Details
Rate Includes: Church free, Chapel of Bones €5 -
2. Igreja de São João Evangelista
This small church next to the former Convento dos Lóios, which is now the Pousada dos Lóios, houses one of the most impressive displays of 18th-century azulejos (painted and glazed ceramic tiles) anywhere in Portugal. The sanctuary, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, was founded in the 15th century by the Venetian-based Lóios Order. Its interior walls are covered with azulejos created by Oliveira Bernardes, the foremost master of this unique Portuguese art form. The blue-and-white tiles depict scenes from the life of the church's founder, Rodrigo de Melo, who, along with members of his family, is buried here. The bas-relief marble tombstones at the foot of the high altar are the only ones of their kind in Portugal. Note the two metal hatches on either side of the main aisle: one covers an ancient cistern, which belonged to the Moorish castle that predated the church (an underground spring still supplies the cistern with potable water), and beneath the other hatch lie the neatly stacked bones of hundreds of monks. This bizarre ossuary was uncovered in 1958 during restoration work.
Largo do Conde de Vila Flor, Évora, Évora, 7000, Portugal919 588 474Sight Details
Rate Includes: Church €4; combined ticket €8, includes the adjacent Palácio dos Duques de Cadaval -
3. Sé
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this breathtaking cathedral was constructed in 1186 from huge granite blocks. It has been enhanced over the centuries with an octagonal, turreted dome above the transept; a blue-tile spire atop the north tower; a number of fine Manueline windows; and several Gothic rose windows. Two massive asymmetrical towers and battlement-ringed walls give the Sé a fortresslike appearance. At the entrance, Gothic arches are supported by marble columns bearing delicately sculpted statues of the apostles. With the exception of a fine baroque chapel, the granite interior is somber. The cloister, a 14th-century Gothic addition with Mudéjar vestiges, is one of the finest of its type in the country; it might look familiar to those who've visited a similar version at Lisbon's cathedral. Housed in the towers and chapter room is the Museu de Arte Sacra da Sé (Sacred Art Museum). Of particular interest is a 13th-century ivory Virgin of Paradise, whose body opens up to show exquisitely carved scenes of her life.
Largo Marquês de Marialva, Évora, Évora, 7000-809, Portugal266 759 330Sight Details
Rate Includes: €3, €4.50 includes museum -
4. Capela de Rainha Santa Isabel
Across the street from the Castelo de Estremoz, Queen Isabel's personal chapel is a striking, richly decorated enclave lined with azulejo tiles. If the door is closed, you can ask to access it at the Museu Municipal.
Rua da Rainha Santa Isabel 8, Estremoz, Évora, 7100-509, PortugalSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
5. Ermida de São Brás
A curious structure built in the late 15th century, this was the first important building in the Alentejo to join Gothic and Moorish elements and form the Gothic-Mudéjar style. The fortified church, a few hundred feet south of the city walls, is characterized by massive battlement-topped walls and a series of round towers crowned with steep spires.
Av. Dr. Francisco Barahona, Évora, Évora, 7000, Portugal962 095 714Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon., Sat. morning, and Sun. afternoon -
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6. Igreja da Misericórdia
Extremely simple on the outside, the interior of this 16th-century church is lined with large azulejo panels in massive gilt frames depicting scenes from the life of Christ. The unsigned 18th-century tiles are thought to be the work of António de Oliveira de Bernardes.
Rua da Misericórdia, Évora, Évora, 7000, Portugal266 748 830Sight Details
Rate Includes: €3 includes museum -
7. Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Assunção
The 16th-century Church of Our Lady of the Assumption at the head of the town square, the Praça da República, has an impressive triple-nave interior lined with 17th-century blue-and-yellow azulejos. The church was designed by Francisco de Arruda, architect of the Elvas aqueduct, but underwent subsequent modifications. It was a cathedral until the diocese was moved to Évora in the 18th century.
Praça da República, Elvas, Portalegre, 7350, PortugalSight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
8. Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Graça
A splendid example of classic Italian-style architecture, this church represents the first breath of the Renaissance in provincial Portuguese architecture. Note the massive figures on columns on either side of the portal. According to local legend, these four figures represent the first victims put to death in the Inquisition in Évora in 1543. The interior is lovely, but not quite as distinctive.
Travessa da Caraça, Évora, Évora, 7000, Portugal -
9. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção
Set in the middle of a garden facing Largo da Trindade, this 15th-century church combines a variety of architectural styles, featuring elements from the Gothic to the baroque periods. The outdoor facade stands out with its Renaissance entrance and the two stone merlons contrasting against the plastered walls, while inside the church is covered with traditional Portuguese tiles.
Largo da Trindade, Alvito, Beja, 7920-018, Portugal -
10. Igreja de Santo Antão
Note the striking white Renaissance facade of this church, which stands near the fountain at the north end of Praça do Giraldo. A medieval hermitage of the Knights Templar was razed in 1553 to make way for this church, which has massive round pillars and soaring vaulted ceilings. The marble altar in bas-relief is a holdover from the primitive hermitage. Packed with locals on Sundays, this is a good place to see a mass—or a glimpse of a local wedding on a Saturday in spring, if you're lucky.
Praça do Giraldo, Évora, Évora, 7000-508, Portugal -
11. Igreja Matriz
Rising from the slopes above the river are the 12 white towers of Mértola's 12th-century house of worship, built on the ruins of a Roman structure. It was once a mosque and retains many of its original Islamic features, including a mihrab (a prayer niche that indicates the direction of Mecca).
Rua da Igreja, Mértola, Beja, 7750, PortugalSight Details
Rate Includes: Free, Closed Mon. -
12. Igreja Matriz de Montemor-o-Novo
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.
Terreiro de St. João de Deus, Montemor-o-Novo, Évora, 7050, Portugal266 898 410Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
13. Sé de Portalegre
About 400 meters north of the castle lies Portalegre's cathedral, a 16th-century church and the town's most prominent landmark. The 18th-century facade is highlighted with marble columns and wrought-iron balconies. Inside are early-17th-century azulejos depicting the Virgin Mary.
Praça do Município, Portalegre, Portalegre, 7300, Portugal245 309 480Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free
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