What to do in Évora

Built in the 14th century, the Cadaval Palace is owned by the family of the Dukes of Cadaval, which has been passed down through generations until today. It is currently the residence of the Duchess of Cadaval and her family, although the church and part of the rooms are open to the public throughout the year.

The Capela dos Ossos is, without a doubt, one of the most visited attractions in Évora. Located by the lake and integrated into the Church of São Francisco, the chapel was built in the 17th century.

Its interior is entirely lined and decorated with human bones, taken from cemeteries, which were already crowded at the time. At the entrance to the chapel there is a striking phrase, which says “We bones that are here for yours await”.

The entrance fee costs 5 Euros and entitles you to visit the museum and collection of nativity scenes. Open from 9 am to 5 pm in winter and from 9 am to 6:30 pm in summer.

The Church of São Francisco de Évora was built between 1480 and 1510, in the style of Gothic-Manueline architecture. The single nave, covered by an immense stone vault, is a masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture.

The interior of the church is filled with ornaments in each of its internal chapels, especially in the chapel of the Third Order.

Évora Cathedral, also known as Évora Cathedral and Basilica Sé de Nossa Senhora da Assunção is one of the most important medieval cathedrals in the country. It was built between 1156 and 1250, being inaugurated in 1204, even before it was finished.

In Gothic style, it is the largest Portuguese cathedral, with a plan inspired by the Lisbon Cathedral. Full of details in its interior, its highlights are the statues of the apostles on the main portal.

The Cathedral terrace is the highest point in the city and serves as a lookout point. It overlooks the entire city within the walls. The visit is paid and costs from 2.50 to 4.50 Euros depending on the areas visited (Cathedral, cloister, museum and viewpoint). Open from 9 am to 5 pm.

The Igreja da Graça or Convent of Nossa Senhora da Graça is a beautiful Renaissance-style church in the city of Évora. Founded in 1511, it is located in Largo da Graça, in the heart of the historic centre.

Also known as Igreja do Palácio Cadaval or Igreja do Lóios, it is located next to the palace and opposite the ruins of the Roman temple. It was founded in 1485 on the ruins of an Arab castle and later destroyed in revolts in the 14th century.

Between 1957 and 1958 it was rebuilt by the Duke of Cadaval, with its original features. It has several murals with beautiful tile collections inside, dating from 1711.

Located at Praça do Giraldo, the church of Santo Antão was built in 1557. It has two granite towers on the outside and beautiful ornaments inside. It consists of three naves with vaults, with granite columns, and three chapels behind the main altar.

The Museum of Évora is over 100 years old and even the inside of the building is already worth a visit. It permanently exhibits an archeology collection, in addition to temporary exhibitions on various topics. Among its highlights is the set of 13 panels in addition to 6 smaller panels, painted in the mid-15th century.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm and the ticket costs 4 Euros.

The cultural center offers several temporary exhibitions. The Palace of the Inquisition building, where it is located, also offers beautiful examples of architecture.

Open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 am to 6 pm and admission costs 1.50 Euros.

The highlight is the pieces made by Alentejo artisans in cork, wood, pottery and tapestry.

Open from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:30. Entrance costs 2 Euros.

The Museu das Carruagens exhibits vehicles that were used in the 18th and 19th centuries in the streets of Évora. There are several types of carriage accompanied by their accoutrements.

Open daily from 10 am to 1 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm (in summer) and from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 1:30 pm to 6 pm (in winter). Entrance costs 1 Euro.

This museum exhibits a collection from the 1940s and 1950s, including musical, traditional, military and transport toys.

Open from Monday to Friday, from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. Entrance costs 1 Euro.

It is a branch of the Serpa Clock Museum and exhibits more than 2300 examples manufactured from 1630 to the present day. The collection includes pocket watches, room watches, wrist watches, as well as related objects.

Open from Tuesday to Friday from 2 pm to 5:30 pm and on holidays and weekends from 10 am to 12:30 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm. Entrance costs 2 Euros.

Café Alentejo - It is under the vaulted ceilings and between thick stone walls that Alentejo cuisine has gained expression here since 1999. The suggestions of the week are options to consider if you are in a hurry, but pay attention to the menu. Savor the “Pasteis de massa tenra” and the “Empadas de galinha”. At Café Alentejo, choose the “bochechas de porco assadas no forno” and the “bife à Café Alentejo”. Harmonize the dishes with one of the more than 300 references from the restaurant's carefully curated wine cellar. The “Torrão Real de Évora” is for dessert. Average price €25.
Rua do Raimundo, 5, Évora. Tel. 266706296

Degust’Ar - Includes two tasting menus, which invite you to take a small detour from Alentejo cuisine. “Carabineiro, spices, celery and roe”, “Sea bass, rice, shrimp and shellfish” and “Beef, cashew, potato and asparagus” confirm the change. On the other hand, wine harmonization paves the way for small producers in the region. This journey through the Degust’Ar restaurant follows the gastronomic guidelines implemented by chef António Nobre, who in the menu remains faithful to the local recipes in this iconic space in Évora. Average price €45.
Rua Cândido dos Reis, 72, Évora. Tel. 266740700

Divinus - Respect for the Alentejo product is visible and the evidence of the flavors of traditional food is striking. This dichotomy is linked to the creativity and simultaneous sensitivity of chef Jorge Peças, who has the gift of transporting diners on a harmonious journey through the region. Without neglecting other latitudes, crafted with the subtlety of a master. In desserts, at the Divinus restaurant and under the guidance of Carla Parreira, there is the good news of the vegan option. As for the wines, mostly from the region, ask the sommelier Cristiano Santos for a recommendation. Average price €50.
Convento do Espinheiro, Évora. Tel. 266788200

Dom Joaquim - The owner, Joaquim de Almeida, is a great connoisseur of Alentejo recipes. An example is the “Coelho à Santo Cristóvão” or the “Torresmos do rissol”, in the starters, as well as the “Bochechas de porco assada em vinho tinto”, accompanied by chestnuts and apple puree. The game dishes at the Dom Joaquim restaurant are prepared in season and there is also a list of the chef's weekly suggestions. The wine cellar values ​​the wines produced in the region. Delight yourself with the “Pudim água de prata”. Average price €30.
Rua dos Penedos, 6, Évora. Tel. 266731105

Fialho - Cordiality and care in service are untouchable in this house dedicated to the culinary compendium of the Alentejo. Just open the letter to start such a delicious journey! Start with the cold starters, with the “Salada de polvo”, or with the hot starters, with emphasis on the “Pastéis de massa tenra” or the famous “Empadas de galinha”. At the Fialho restaurant, go for the “Arroz de garoupa com gambas” or the “Pernas de cabrito assada no forno”. Order one of the Alentejo wines and end the meal with the “Queijada de Évora”. Average price €65.
Travessa dos Mascarenhas, 16, Évora. Tel. 266703079

Origens - The “Croquetes de porco” and the “Malandrinho de cogumelos” start the meal in this cozy restaurant, located in the historic center of Évora. From the sea, choose the “Bacalhau rico”, from the pastures, the “Lombo de vitela Mertolengo DOP” and, for dessert, try the “Tábua de queijos da região”. On the other hand, at the Origens restaurant, choose one of the two tasting menus and let chef Gonçalo Queiroz reveal his cooking skills at the moment. Ask for the wine list or follow the recommendations of the sommelier Eugénia Queiroz. Average price €25.
Rua dos Burgos, 10, Évora. Tel. 964220790

Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira - Founded three decades ago by José Dias, in the heart of the city, since 2017 this family home has had his son, João Dias, in the daily organization of a kitchen dedicated to the flavors of Alentejo. The menu at Taberna Típica Quarta-Feira invites you to a different experience every day. “Torrada barrada com toucinho cozido e alho”, “Pezinhos de coentrada” or “Língua de vaca estufada” can be served as starters, while octopus, pork shoulder or oxtail roasted in the oven, among others, remain as main course. Reservation reigns. Average price €30. Rua do Inverno, 18, Évora. Tel. 266707503

Tasquinha do Oliveira - The cozy space of this well-appointed tavern reflects the work that the couple Manuel and Carolina Oliveira have been doing over the last 25 years. The “Pataniscas de bacalhau”, “Ovos verdes” and “Empadas de coelho” have already made this house famous. Also preserved, at Tasquinha do Oliveira, are the flavors of “Bacalhau à tasquinha”, “Arroz de pato no forno à antiga” or “Bochechas de porco com puré de maçã”. Ask for one of the more than two hundred wine references in the cellar and taste, with time, the “Farófias”, made on the spot. Average price €35.
Rua Cândido dos Reis, 45-A, Évora. Tel. 266744841