Explorations of a city worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status!
*Note: this post contains images of human remains.
Évora was once one of Portugal’s most important cities. Founded before the Ancient Romans showed up, Évora became a jewel during during its golden age in the 15th century, even becoming a residence of the kings of Portugal. The architecture of the city stayed amazing through the 18th century. Évora eventually had a downfall, but it has certainly regained its status.
Wandering Jana Starting off Évora with this castle-like chapel, Ermida de São Brás (Chapel of St. Blais).
Wandering Jana São Francisco de Évora also has a bit of a castle-like appearance.
Wandering Jana The church was built in around the turn of the 16th century, making it a late Gothic church.
Wandering Jana Some azulejos (Portuguese tiles) up on the altar.
Wandering Jana Some of the chapels are pretty elaborate.
Wandering Jana And have these little archways connecting the chapels.
Wandering Jana São Francisco used to be part of a convent. The part that still survives has been turned into a small museum, which includes Évora’s famous Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos).
Wandering Jana There were 42 monastic cemeteries around Évora. In the 17th century, many of the bones from those cemeteries were relocated to this chapel.
Wandering Jana It has been estimated that over 5,000 bones are used for decoration.
Wandering Jana Only slightly morbid.
Wandering Jana I went straight to the Cathedral to avoid the rain as much as possible.
Wandering Jana The visit actually starts in the High Choir. These seem to be very popular in Portugal.
Wandering Jana Love these seats. When the seat is up, there’s a little bit to still sit on.
Wandering Jana Up on the roof.
Wandering Jana Looking down at that cloister.
Wandering Jana Some very thick walls in this cloister.
Wandering Jana Very cute.
Wandering Jana A very tall cathedral.
Wandering Jana Very tall.
Wandering Jana Gorgeous chapel.
Wandering Jana Time to explore.
Wandering Jana Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Mercy) and its gorgeous azulejos.
Wandering Jana Basically paintings on tiles.
Wandering Jana Ceramic shops are all over the place in Portugal.
Wandering Jana Santo Antão on Praça do Giraldo (Giraldo Square).
Wandering Jana Cute covered walkways.
Wandering Jana The Ancient Roman Temple of Diana, built in the 1st century.
Wandering Jana The area near the temple is a bit raised, leading to some good views of the city.
Wandering Jana Igreja do Espírito Santo (Church of the Holy Spirit) is outside the old city walls.
Wandering Jana It looks a bit plain at first.
Wandering Jana Until you look at the chapels.
Wandering Jana Very shiny chapels.
Wandering Jana The Sacristy is pretty fancy too.
Wandering Jana Love a good ceiling fresco.
Wandering Jana This chapel is a bit over the top.
Wandering Jana Back to wandering.
Wandering Jana Very cute.
Wandering Jana Some medieval arches.
Wandering Jana The covered walkways allow for bigger top floors.
Wandering Jana Aqueduct Água de Prata. It goes into the city center a bit. Buildings were built within the arches.
Wandering Jana Some well preserved city walls around here.
Wandering Jana Porta Velha da Lagoa (Old Gate of the Lagoon).
Évora is a bit out of the way for most people traveling to Portugal. It’s away from the coast and not near any other big sights. Take a train from Lisbon, or drive, because Évora is definitely worth going out of your way for. I wasn’t able to see everything on my visit. The area could use a couple of days
Check out my next update where I explore two fortresses and a city in a fortress!
or
Start at the beginning of this adventure!
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