Évora

Overview

"Evora is the finest example of a city of the golden age of Portugal after the destruction of Lisbon by the earthquake of 1755." is the way the UENSCO described Evora when they put it on the World Heritage list.

A city of Portugal's interior, Evora is located at the intersection of three river basins. About 100 km. east of Lisbon , it is constructed high above the surrounding plain. The founding of the city dates back to the dawn of the Christian era.

Under the Aviz Dynasty (1385-1580), Evora became the second most important city of the kingdom after Lisbon. In the 16th century, Evora reached its golden era as witnessed by a number of architectural realisations. This was also the beginning of great Portuguese maritime expeditions, when the ports of call on the world's maritime route - Madeira, the Azores, and the Cape Verde Islands - were discovered.

In the 17th century, a Vauban-type fortification was constructed. In the 18th century, the Company of Jesus, which had spread intellectual and religious enlightenment since the 16th century, was expelled, and Evora went into decline.

Nowadays Evora is a real treat. The walls and the vestiges of walls, which are bordered with gardens are nice. The low white houses with their tile roofs, cast ironwork and azulejos look great. Furthermore there are numerous palaces and convents, there is an aqueduct which dates to 1537 and numerous fountains. Even if you are not a history buff, Evora should be on your itinerary.

History