Évora

During my stay in Portugal, I visited Évora a breath-taking “museum city” whose roots go back to Celtic, Roman and Moorish times.

When you arrive here, you feel that the time has stood still. It is a university city, with a relatively young population, which contrasts with the ancient architecture and its strongly ingrained traditions.

To whet your appetite, I prepared you some snaps.

Évora is partially enclosed by medieval wall.

The Jardim Público de Évora (Public Gardens) contains the Palácio de Dom Manuel and the fine Galeria das Damas (Ladies' Gallery) constructed in a Gothic-Renaissance style.

Praça do Giraldo is the lively, historic hub of Évora, with numerous pavement cafes for relaxing and watching the world go by.

The ornate, fortress-like Sé is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Portugal.

Évora's spectacular Roman remains, the Templo Diana. The Templo Romano is one of the best preserved Roman monuments in Europe and is thought to date to the 2nd or 3rd century. Fourteen Corinthian columns in granite support a marble entablature.

The 9km long Aqueduto da Água de Prata (Aqueduct of Silver Water), brought water into the town and is noted now for the houses, shops and cafes built under it.

An ancient convent dating from 1733 converted into a boarding school, but closed since…And the gorgeous tiny square just in front…

Among Évora's many fine churches, the standout is the Igreja e Mosteiro de São Francisco, with its macabre Capela dos Ossos. The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) is a small chapel behind the main altar containing the bones of an estimated 5,000 people.