Private Alentejo Tour in Évora and Monsaraz From Lisbon

The Roman Temple of Évora is one of the grandest and best preserved Roman temples in the entire Iberian Peninsula, having been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986. It is the city's ex-libris, a kind of visiting card, so known as the Chapel of Bones.

Looking at this Roman Temple is like returning to the past and idealizing times that are long gone. It is one of the most important historical landmarks in Évora, if not the most important, and is also one of the most visible symbols of the Roman occupation in the city.

The Capela dos Ossos was built in the 17th century on the initiative of three Franciscan friars whose objective was to convey the message of the transience and fragility of human life. This message is clearly conveyed to visitors at the entrance, through the sign: “We are here, we are waiting for you”. It shows, deep down, the macabre taste of baroque man for necrophilia.

Évora Cathedral, whose construction began in 1186 and consecrated in 1204, was only completed in 1250. It is a fascinating and imposing monument. All made of granite, it is marked by the transition from the Romanesque style to the Gothic style.

It was improved during the 15th and 16th centuries, with the high choir, the pulpit, the baptistery and the arch of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade or Esporão chapel (1529) dating back to that time. This chapel of the Cathedral of Évora is an unusual testament to Plateresque hybrid architecture.

Take the opportunity to taste the typical dishes of this land, such as Açorda from Alentejo, Migas of wild asparagus with eggs, silarcas, Favada, Pork Migas, Lamb Stew or the beautiful game dishes made with rabbit, hare, partridge or wild boar.

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Neighboring the Guadiana River and the modern water mirror of the Alqueva Dam, it rises above Mount Monsaraz, dominating the medieval village and the border with Spain. Its military architecture mixes medieval and 17th century elements.