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Alentejo Wines
Évora - History
Initially the Romans named it “Ebora Cerelis” linking the place to
the importance of the Alentejo plains for growing wheat. The surrounding
area provided open mining of copper and iron, whilst the high quality marble
went to embellish their fine villas. They then later renamed the town
"Liberalitus Julia Ebora". In 414 the Visigoths captured Évora
from the defending Romans. They in turn were eventually evicted by the
Moors led by Aziz in 713. The subsequently well fortified city was
captured from the Moors by the famous Portuguese general, Geraldo
Sem-Pavor in 1165. However, retaken by the Moors it eventually was
taken out of their grip by the same Portuguese General. Later Évora
became an important place in the middle centuries when it was chosen by the
Jesuits as a seat of learning. King Afonso IV resided here with his
Court for 14 years, and also later Manuel I until 1511.
In 1663 Dom Joăo de Áustria lead his Spanish army into the city
putting to death most of the inhabitants. The town was later to be
recaptured by the Portuguese army with the help of English forces.
In the 18th Century its influence waned when the University was forcefully
closed with the expulsion of the Jesuits. This walled city with its strange
enchantment was declared by UNESCO in 1886 as one of their World Heritage
Sites. Inside the city are many interesting buildings and in the surrounding
countryside ancient archaeological remains can be found. This region around
Évora is scattered with signs of the Roman occupation and even the
much older Megaliths, dated between BC 4.000 to 2.000. As the region has
always been an agricultural area there are many large private estates with
their respective manor houses.
Évora - Description
Basically the town and its population of over 41.00 likes to be considered
as a seat of learning with its original University founded in 16th Century
by Cardinal Dom Henrique. Within the surrounding wall the most
prominent feature is without doubt the 2nd or 3rd Century ruins of a Roman
Temple dedicated to the Goddess Diana. The building rescued from its
neglected state of ruin in 1870, had been used in its history as an
armoury, theatre, and even a slaughterhouse. Among the attractive features
is the 15th Century Convento dos Lóios that has been reconstructed
as a fascinating Pousada. The city’s Cathedral started in 1186 took some
50 years to build and is reminiscent of a fortress except for having been
flanked by two unmatched towers. The main square with its 16th Century
fountain has a sad history. Among other events Dom Joăo II
witnessed the beheading by his orders of his brother-in-law, the then
Duque de Bragança who was accused of betrayal to the throne. Events
much later led to the descendents of this same Duke in 1640 to the throne
of Portugal. Equally unpleasant were the "auto-fe"
ceremonies held by the Jesuit Inquisition as impressive spectacles to place
fear into the spectators. Another macabre reminder is the Capela dos
Ossos in the 15th Century Igreja de Săo Francisco. Here lies
the bones of some 5.000 persons with an entrance sign reading “we bones
that here await yours”.
There are several museums, principally the Museu de Arte Sacra,
Galeria de Arte Casa Cadaval, the Museu de Artes Decorativas
Religiosas and the Museu de Évora. The later museum was formerly
the palace of the Bishop and was built with many worked stones from previous
buildings in the city. It also houses some interesting religious items. One
of the outstanding architectural interest is the Palácio dos Condes de
Basto The Palácio de Dom Manuel (also known as Convento de Săo
Bento de Castris), which was built in 1490 was used as the seat of the
court by the House of Avis during their reign. Outside and close to the city
is a 18 kilometre Aqueduct built in 1532 to supply water to the city's
inhabitants. Nearby is the "Convento da Cartuxa" a 16th Century
Monastery which is still occupied by 7 monks. When visiting the town of
Évora take advantage
of the many excellent restaurants serving regional specialities. A snack
food specialty of the town is the “Păo de Rala” bread-cake made with
pumpkin.
Évora - Nearby Locations
To the north is the city is the small town of Arraiolos with its
prominent 14th Century castle and 16th Century church. This town has made
its name from as early as the 17th Century with its superb quality handmade
carpets and rugs depicting historic and religious events or attractive
floral designs. However, there is evidence that this cottage industry is
believed to have commenced in the time of the Moors occupation of the area.
To the southwest is the quiet sleepy town of Alcáçovas that
attracted the King, Dom Dinis. Its origins are pre-Roman and in 1283
it was granted a charter as a town by Dom Afonso III. It was the
historic location in 1457 for the wedding of Portuguese princes to two
Spanish princesses and it was in this town that the Peace Treaty of the War
of Spanish Succession was signed in 1668.
Directly to the south is the town of Viana do Alentejo, raised to
the status of a town in 1313 also by Dom Dinis. To the south-east is
the 13th Century town of Portel where only ruins act as a reminder
to a visitor of its historic past. The castle was built by Dom Dinis
in the 14th Century and there are several interesting buildings in this
attractive small town that also date back to Roman times. Directly to the
east is the town of Redondo set in the heart of the wine district.
This area has many megalithic monuments indicating that during the past
Neolithic period it was a populated area and an interesting example can be
seen at "Monte dos Almendres" with 95 standing menirs provoking ideas
of the unknown religious past.
To the west of Évora is the town of Montemor-o-Novo. This
town is the birth place of "Saint John of God" (1495-1550),
patron saint of Hospitals and the sick. Dom Manuel I was very fond
of the town and its former castle was the largest in Portugal. There are
still many buildings within the town reflecting the Manueline style of
architecture. The museum in the Convento de Săo Domingos maintains an
interesting exhibition of the many items found in the region which is rich
in archaeological sites. The nearby Grutas do Escoural caves contain
paintings dating as far back as 30,000 years! Also, close by these is the
Dolman known as Zambujeira which has a 14 metre-long entrance. Another
important site is the Cromlech de Almendares, a circle of Menhir
stones. Even further to the west is the small town of Alcaçovas which
was a favourite summer retreat of King Dinis who built its palace. The palace
is now in ruins. The name of this town is also marked in history as being
the location of a Treaty in the 15th Century which divided the known world
between the Portuguese and the Spanish.
Évora Photographs
Temple of Diana ·
Main Square ·
Temple of Diana ·
Roofs ·
Church ·
Alentejo Castle ·
Temple of Diana ·
Anta ·
Alentejo Castle
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Évora Events |
-- |
| Festival of Senhora das Candeias |
2nd February |
| Feira de Săo Brás |
1st to 3rd February |
| Feira dos Ramos |
Week before Easter (Friday) |
| Feira de Săo Joăo |
24th to 30th June |
| Town Holiday |
29th June |
| Feira Nova |
12th October |
| Market Day |
2nd Tuesday of the month
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Alentejo Towns
Beja
· Castelo de Vide
· Elvas
· Estremoz
· Monsaraz
· Portalegre
· Santarém
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Évora Telephone Numbers
7000 Évora
