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Praça do Giraldo · Évora · Alentejo · Portugal
Welcome to the Centro Histórico de Évora, widely known as the Historic Centre of Évora - the UNESCO-listed heart of the city of Évora, the historic capital of Portugal's Alentejo region. The old town sits on the gentle hills of the Alentejo and is enclosed by medieval walls, earning it the title of an open-air museum. Over two thousand years of civilization converge here, preserving ancient Roman ruins, Moorish alleys, Gothic churches and Renaissance civil architecture. The old town is centred around Praça do Giraldo, with narrow ancient alleys radiating outward. Jardim Diana stands on the high ground of the old town, linking the Roman Temple of Évora with the episcopal complex. Whitewashed walls with wrought-iron balconies and hand-painted azulejo tiles form the iconic streetscape. From the centre, visitors can easily walk between the landmark monuments of Évora - the Roman Temple of Évora, the Sé de Évora cathedral, the Chapel of Bones and the Água de Prata aqueduct - which are described in detail below.
The must-see sights of the UNESCO Historic Centre of Évora, all within easy walking distance of each other.
The best-preserved Roman temple in Portugal, standing on granite Corinthian columns above Jardim Diana since the 1st century AD - one of the symbols of the city.
Begun in 1186, this Romanesque-Gothic cathedral rises over the old town. Climb to the roof terrace for panoramic views of the Alentejo plains.
A 16th-century Franciscan church whose famous Chapel of Bones is lined with thousands of human bones and skulls - an unforgettable sight.
Évora's historic main square and the lively heart of the old town, with its Renaissance fountain and the Church of Santo Antão.
A Renaissance aqueduct commissioned by King João III (1531-1537); its arches cross the fields and pass through the old town walls.
A Jesuit university founded in 1559; its arcaded cloisters decorated with blue-and-white azulejos form one of the most elegant corners of the city.
A national museum housed in the archbishop’s palace beside the Roman Temple, displaying Roman archaeology and European painting.
The medieval walls and gates that still encircle the centre shape its UNESCO-protected character; views from the walls stretch over the surrounding plains.
Key moments and tales from over two thousand years of Évora - every account below is based on documented history and chronicles.
Évora had flourished under the Romans and again under Muslim rule, but during the Portuguese Reconquista this still Moorish-held city was taken in 1165 by the knight Geraldo Sem Pavor ('Geraldo the Fearless'). The town was quickly rebuilt, work on its cathedral began in 1186, and Évora became a lasting part of Portugal - a key stronghold in King Afonso Henriques' expansion to the south.
Accounts of the 1165 conquest differ: some say Geraldo's soldiers slipped into the city hidden among carts of firewood, others that Christians inside opened the gates while the garrison relaxed during Holy Week (Semana Santa). The details are hard to prove, yet chronicles and local memory have retold them ever since, adding legend to the 'Fearless' knight. Whatever truly happened, September 1165 was a turning point for Évora.
The Roman temple that crowns the hill above the old town was once buried inside medieval castle and town-hall structures and only freed again in the 19th century. In the 16th century the humanist André de Resende first called it the "Temple of Diana", and the beautiful mistake stuck. Modern scholars lean towards an imperial cult or Jupiter, but the true deity remains unproven - which only adds to its mystery.
In the 16th century, Franciscan monks lined the walls of a side chapel at São Francisco with thousands of bones gathered from nearby cemeteries, as a reminder of life's brevity. Above the entrance still stands the famous Portuguese motto: 'Nós ossos que aqui estamos, pelos vossos esperamos' - 'We bones that are here, await yours'. It may be Europe's most striking epitaph.
In 1559 Cardinal-King D. Henrique founded a Jesuit university in Évora, making it one of Portugal’s centres of learning. In 1759 the Marquis of Pombal expelled the Jesuits and the university closed. Only in 1973, after a gap of more than two centuries, did the University of Évora reopen on the same site - its azulejo-lined arcaded cloisters still tell the story of an ending and a rebirth.
Between 1531 and 1537 King João III commissioned the architect Francisco de Arruda to build the aqueduct that brought spring water into the town. Explanations for the name "Água de Prata" (silver water) vary - some say the water gleamed like silver, others link it to how the works were financed. Most curious of all, houses were later built between the arches, creating streets where home and aqueduct merge; they can still be seen along the old walls today.
During the Portuguese Restoration War, Spanish troops briefly occupied Évora in May 1663. A month later the Portuguese army won the Battle of Ameixial and forced the occupiers to withdraw, returning Évora to Portugal. The episode is a reminder that this quiet historic centre was once a prize fought over by crowns.
Official Name
Centro Histórico de Évora
Attraction Type
Tourist Attraction
Country
Portugal
City
Évora
Plus Code
H3CR+86 Évora, Portugal
Google Rating
4.5/5 (5,781)
Address
Jardim Diana, 7000-661 Évora, Portugal
The old town streets, Praça do Giraldo, and Jardim Diana are open 24/7 for free. Paid indoor venues have seasonal scheduled opening hours.
Chapel of Bones
9:30-18:00
Roman Temple Outdoor Ruins
Outdoor ruins open 24/7, attached small exhibition hall has limited hours
Best visited from April to October (Spring to Autumn); July and August are very hot at noon, so early morning or evening is preferred.
Live and multi-day weather for the Historic Centre of Évora (Jardim Diana). Check before you head out — if rain is expected, grab an umbrella.
Free Admission
Ticket Advice
Discounted combo tickets available for multiple venues
Nearest international airports: Lisbon (LIS) Airport (approx. 135 km, 1h 25m drive) and Faro (FAO) Airport (approx. 240 km, 2h 50m drive). Renting a car upon arrival is recommended.
From Lisbon, take the A2 highway south, then connect to the A6 directly to Évora. Navigate to Jardim Diana and park in the lots outside the city walls.
Take a Rede Expressos intercity bus from Sete Rios station in Lisbon directly to the Évora bus station, which is within walking distance of the old town. Alternatively, there are direct trains from central Lisbon to Évora, requiring a short walk into the city.
The old town is entirely navigable on foot. The surrounding suburban plains are flat and ideal for cycling or chartering a car to visit nearby megalithic monuments and wineries.
The surrounding Alentejo region and Alqueva reservoir offer relatively flat and scenic routes, perfect for both road and mountain biking.
Due to limited public transport schedules in the Alentejo region, renting a car is strongly advised for the flexibility to explore nearby wineries, megalithic monuments, and the Alqueva Dam.
Useful amenities for exploring the Historic Centre of Évora.
Public toilets are available near the main squares and sights of the old town; some require a small fee. Many cafés and museums also offer facilities to visitors.
Motor traffic is restricted inside the walls. Paid and free car parks sit within a 5-10 minute walk of the old town; in peak season spaces fill early, so arrive early or use public transport.
The old town is dense with restaurants, small taverns (tasca), cafés and pastry shops, from quick snacks to full meals.
Inside the walls you will mostly find small boutique hotels, guesthouses (alojamento local) and family-run lodgings within walking distance of the sights; more options exist just outside.
Small supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries and souvenir shops are scattered through the old town for daily needs, drinks and snacks.
Petrol stations and electric-vehicle chargers are located mainly on the ring roads outside the walls; drivers are advised to refuel or recharge before entering the old town.
Bank branches and cash machines (ATMs) are found near the main streets and squares of the old town; most accept international cards.
Évora has several pharmacies and primary-care points; for emergencies or a full hospital, head to the municipal hospital outside the walls.
This is an independent, non-profit educational website. We list facility types only, in a neutral way, and do not recommend any specific business or brand; always confirm exact locations on site or on a map.
Standard Walking Tour Route (Half-Day Itinerary)
Walk from the outside parking lot through the ancient aqueduct gate into the old town
Explore Praça do Giraldo and take a short break
Walk to visit the Church of St. Francis and the Chapel of Bones
Head to the Évora Cathedral and climb to the terrace for a panoramic view
Move to Jardim Diana to view the Roman Temple from a distance
Get up close to the remaining columns of the Roman Temple of Diana
Wander through the old town alleys in the evening and taste local specialties
Capture the continuous roofs of the old town and the distant plains at sunset.
Eye-level view of the main Roman Temple columns with the white houses of the old town in the background.
Utilize the radiating streets to create deep, culturally rich compositions.
Whitewashed walls and tiled doors/windows, perfect for portraits.
The golden hour at sunset provides soft light. The temple is illuminated at night, making it excellent for night photography.
Converted from old noble mansions, steps away from major monuments.
Converted old monasteries and rural farms, often featuring courtyard pools.
Close to parking lots with plenty of dining options nearby.
Focuses on rustic Alentejo cuisine: bread soup, garlic braised dishes, regional wines, and traditional Portuguese sweets. Local flavor restaurants are scattered throughout the old town alleys, perfect for spontaneous dining.
Charming Scenery of Centro Histórico de Évora
Centro Histórico de Évora Panorama
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Medieval City Walls & Gate
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Roman Temple of Évora
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Whitewashed Houses & Cobblestone Alleys
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Praça do Giraldo
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Sé de Évora Cathedral
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Jardim Diana
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Chapel of Bones & São Francisco Church
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Água de Prata Aqueduct
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Cathedral Roof Terrace View
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University of Évora Cloister
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View over the Alentejo Plains
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Azulejo Tiles & Ornamental Details
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Old Town Streets at Dusk
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Renaissance Fountain
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Roman Temple Illuminated at Night
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Historic Balconies & Street Lamps
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Old Town Rooftops of Évora
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Almendres Cromlech (Nearby Megalithic Monuments)
Review information can be viewed via Google Maps (external link).
A beautifully preserved historic centre. The Roman Temple above Jardim Diana is stunning, and walking the old streets around Praça do Giraldo feels like stepping back in time.
One of my favourite towns in Portugal. The view from the cathedral terrace over the rooftops and the Alentejo plains is unforgettable. Go early in summer to avoid the midday heat.
Perfect for a day trip from Lisbon. The Chapel of Bones is unique and the old town is full of character. Parking can be tricky in summer, so arrive early.
Spent a full day here without getting bored - Roman temple, cathedral, museum and cafés in the old streets. Very walkable and full of history at every corner.
Two thousand years of history in one small centre is remarkable. The illuminated Roman Temple at night is beautiful and great for photos.
Easy train ride from Lisbon. Wear comfortable shoes for the cobblestones and save time for the cathedral terrace - the view is the highlight.
A must-see in the Alentejo. Strolling through the alleys, watching the sunset from Jardim Diana and tasting the local food made it a perfect day.
Compact but rich - Roman ruins, Gothic cathedral, bone chapel and whitewashed alleys. The best part is the atmosphere of the old town at dusk.
Practical answers about visiting the Historic Centre of Évora.
Independent third-party guide - for accurate, up-to-date information always consult the official channels below.
Jardim Diana, 7000-661 Évora, Portugal