Family Adventure in Historic Évora

A Journey Begins in Évora

After months of planning, our family adventure in Portugal finally began! Leaving behind the familiar streets of Berlin for the sun-drenched landscapes of Évora felt like stepping into a history book. The drive from Lisbon was smooth, and as we approached Évora, the ancient city walls rising in the distance immediately captivated us. I couldn't wait to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of history and culture that this UNESCO World Heritage site promised. And, of course, share it all with you!

Our day started, as most good days do, with breakfast. We headed to Café Alentejo, a charming spot recommended for its traditional Portuguese fare. The café buzzed with locals, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and *pastéis de nata* filled the air. Sophia was particularly thrilled with her pastry, declaring it the best she’d ever tasted – a high compliment coming from a six-year-old with a sweet tooth! Lena and I enjoyed strong, aromatic coffee and a hearty *tosta mista* (ham and cheese toastie), fueling up for a day of exploration.

With our bellies full, we ventured into the heart of Évora: the Centro Histórico.
The narrow, winding streets, paved with cobblestones, were a delight to wander. The white-washed buildings, adorned with colorful tiles and wrought-iron balconies, exuded old-world charm. Even though the July sun was beating down, the atmosphere was vibrant and inviting. I made sure Sophia had plenty of sunscreen on, remembering how easily she gets sunburned, a lesson learned from a past trip where I forgot the essentials.
The Centro Histórico is amazing, and I can see why UNESCO put it on their World Heritage list. Every corner seemed to whisper stories of centuries past. It was easy to imagine Roman soldiers marching through the streets or medieval merchants haggling over prices.

To walk through Évora is to walk through layers of history, each stone telling a story of civilizations past.

Our first major stop was the Roman Temple of Évora. This remarkably well-preserved temple stands as a testament to the city’s Roman past. It was built in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, and it's one of the best-preserved Roman temples on the Iberian Peninsula. Standing before those granite columns, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. It's incredible to think that this structure has stood for over two thousand years, witnessing the rise and fall of empires.
Sophia was fascinated by the temple, although I suspect her interest was more in climbing the steps than in Roman history. Lena, ever the architect, was busy admiring the Corinthian columns and discussing the temple’s construction techniques. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, hoping to do justice to the grandeur of the site.


Discover the Roman Temple of Évora, an architectural marvel and a UNESCO World Heritage site, steeped in history and cultural significance.

From the Roman Temple, we made our way to the Cathedral of Évora, the city’s magnificent cathedral. This imposing structure, built between the 12th and 13th centuries, is a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles. Its granite facade, flanked by two massive towers, is truly impressive. We climbed to the top of one of the towers, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of Évora and the surrounding Alentejo countryside.
The interior of the cathedral was just as stunning, with its soaring vaulted ceilings, intricate stained-glass windows, and ornate chapels. Sophia was particularly taken with the main altar, adorned with gilded carvings and colorful statues. Lena was fascinated by the Gothic cloisters, noting the intricate details of the stonework. I was struck by the sense of peace and serenity that permeated the space, a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.


Explore the Cathedral of Évora, a stunning Gothic masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting Portugal's rich history and architectural beauty.

By lunchtime, we were all feeling a bit peckish, so we decided to try Botequim da Mouraria, a tiny restaurant known for its authentic Alentejo cuisine. Finding it was an adventure in itself, as it's tucked away on a narrow side street. The restaurant is small, with only a few seats at the counter, but the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The owner, Domingos, greeted us with a smile and recited the menu, a list of delectable dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
We opted for a selection of *petiscos* (Portuguese tapas), including wild asparagus, local cheese, and cured ham. Each dish was bursting with flavor, showcasing the simple yet delicious cuisine of the Alentejo region. Sophia surprised us all by devouring the asparagus, a vegetable she usually turns her nose up at. Lena and I savored a glass of local wine, perfectly complementing the meal. The experience was truly memorable, a testament to the charm and authenticity of Évora.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Botequim da Mouraria in Évora, where tradition meets taste in a cozy setting.

After lunch, we strolled through the streets again, soaking in the atmosphere. We popped into Gente da Minha Terra, a charming shop that sells locally made crafts and souvenirs. I was on the hunt for a unique gift for my mother, who appreciates handmade items. The shop was filled with beautiful ceramics, textiles, and other artisanal products, all showcasing the talent and creativity of local artisans. I finally settled on a hand-painted ceramic bowl, which I knew my mother would love.


Explore Gente da Minha Terra in Évora for unique handmade gifts that embody the spirit of Portuguese craftsmanship and culture.

As the afternoon wore on, the heat became more intense. We decided to take a break and find a shady spot to relax. We stumbled upon the Jardim Diana, a lovely garden located near the Roman Temple. The garden offered stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. We sat on a bench, enjoying the cool breeze and the shade of the trees.
Sophia, ever energetic, was soon running around, chasing butterflies and exploring the garden. Lena and I watched her, enjoying a moment of peace and quiet. It was a perfect way to recharge before continuing our exploration of Évora.

For dinner, we chose Momentos Évora, enticed by its reputation for serving traditional Alentejo cuisine with a modern twist. The restaurant’s sign, “Life is too short to eat chips every day. We serve our food with vegetables,” certainly piqued my interest. The interior was cozy and inviting, with low lighting and rustic décor. The owner, Jorge, greeted us warmly and presented the menu, explaining each dish in detail.
We started with a selection of appetizers, including grilled vegetables and local cheeses. For our main courses, Lena chose the roasted lamb, while I opted for the black pork, a regional specialty. Sophia, of course, ordered the grilled fish, a perennial favorite. The food was exquisite, each dish a celebration of local flavors and ingredients. The service was impeccable, and we felt truly pampered throughout the meal.


Discover authentic Portuguese cuisine at Momentos Évora, where local flavors and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.

As we walked back to Moov Hotel Évora, the city was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun. The ancient monuments and buildings seemed to glow with a golden light, creating a magical atmosphere. Sophia, tired but happy, was fast asleep in my arms. Lena and I walked hand in hand, reflecting on the day’s adventures.
Évora had exceeded all our expectations. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine had captivated us all. It's so different from Berlin, and I'm glad to share this experience with my family.
As we prepare for tomorrow, I’m excited to visit the Chapel of Bones and the Aqueduto de Évora. I have a feeling that Évora still has many secrets to reveal, and I can't wait to uncover them with Lena and Sophia. I'm also hoping to visit Bar Culpa Tua to relax a bit with Lena after a long day of exploring. Stay tuned for more tales from our family adventure in historic Évora!

I think I forgot to pack my travel adapter, which is going to be a problem when charging my phone and camera. I also realized I could use an extra memory card for my camera, as I've already taken so many pictures today. Hopefully, I can find these items in one of the local shops tomorrow.

Now, as the stars begin to pepper the inky sky above Évora, I realize that this journey isn't just about seeing historical landmarks; it's about creating lasting memories with my family. And that, my friends, is priceless. Until tomorrow!