Exploring Évora: A Romantic Getaway in Portugal

First Impressions of Évora
After months of anticipation, Lena and I finally arrived in Évora, ready to immerse ourselves in its storied past. The city welcomed us with open arms, its ancient walls whispering tales of Roman conquerors and medieval kings. Today was all about experiencing the heart of Évora, a journey through time that promised to be both educational and deeply moving.

Our journey began with a smooth flight from Berlin to Lisbon, followed by a comfortable train ride to Évora. Arriving at our hotel, Mar De AR Aqueduto Hotel, we were immediately struck by its blend of modern luxury and historical charm. After quickly settling in, we set out to explore the Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site, eager to uncover the secrets it held.


Experience luxury and comfort at the Mar De AR Aqueduto Hotel, your perfect getaway with top-notch amenities and a prime location for exploration.

First things first, though: breakfast! We headed to Café Alentejo, a local favorite, where we enjoyed strong coffee and traditional pastries. The café buzzed with locals starting their day, and we soaked in the authentic atmosphere, excited for the adventures ahead.

Wandering Through the Centro Histórico

The Centro Histórico de Évora is a maze of narrow, winding streets, each corner revealing a new architectural marvel or a hidden courtyard. As we wandered, I couldn't help but feel a connection to the past, imagining the lives of those who had walked these same paths centuries ago. Lena, with her keen eye for detail, was in her element, snapping photos of the intricate tilework and the vibrant colors of the buildings.


Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Évora's Centro Histórico, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing stunning architecture and local delights.

We strolled along the cobblestone streets, admiring the architecture that blended various periods and styles. The warm May sun cast long shadows, creating a picturesque scene that felt like stepping back in time. It was easy to get lost in the beauty of the city, and we often found ourselves pausing to simply take it all in. Every building seemed to have a story to tell, and I wished I had brushed up on my Portuguese history a bit more before the trip!

A Glimpse into Ancient Rome: The Roman Temple of Évora

Our next stop was the Templo de Diana, the Roman Temple of Évora. Standing proudly against the Alentejo sky, this well-preserved temple is a testament to the city's rich Roman heritage. As a software developer, I'm used to dealing with the complexities of modern technology, but there's something awe-inspiring about seeing structures that have stood for over two thousand years.


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

The temple's Corinthian columns and granite structure were impressive, and we spent a good hour walking around it, admiring the craftsmanship and imagining what life must have been like during Roman times. Lena was particularly fascinated by the history of the temple, and we read aloud from our travel guidebook, learning about its various uses throughout the centuries. It's amazing to think that this temple has witnessed so much history, from Roman ceremonies to medieval battles.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

The Spiritual Heart of Évora: The Cathedral of Évora

From the Roman Temple, we made our way to the Cathedral of Évora, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the city's skyline. The cathedral's imposing facade and intricate details were breathtaking, and we couldn't wait to explore its interior.


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

Inside, the cathedral was even more impressive, with its soaring vaulted ceilings, stained glass windows, and ornate chapels. We wandered through the cathedral, marveling at the religious art and the sense of peace that permeated the space. Lena lit a candle for her grandmother, a quiet moment of reflection in the midst of our busy day. The climb to the top of the tower was well worth it, offering panoramic views of Évora and the surrounding countryside. From up there, we could see the sprawling landscape of the Alentejo, dotted with cork trees and vineyards, a truly stunning sight.

A Taste of Alentejo: Lunch at Taberna Típica Quarta-feira

By lunchtime, we were both ravenous, so we sought out Taberna Típica Quarta-feira, a restaurant recommended for its authentic Alentejo cuisine. The taberna was cozy and inviting, with traditional décor and a lively atmosphere. We were greeted warmly by the owner, who seemed genuinely happy to share his love of Alentejo food with us. Luckily we had made a reservation, as the place was packed!


Discover the authentic taste of Alentejo at Taberna Típica Quarta-feira in Évora, where traditional flavors meet warm hospitality.

We decided to trust the owner's recommendations and ordered a selection of local specialties. The pork dishes were succulent and flavorful, and the migas, a traditional bread-based dish, was hearty and satisfying. Lena particularly enjoyed the local wine, which was rich and fruity. It was the perfect meal to fuel us for the rest of our day. The owner even shared a few stories about the history of the taberna, making us feel like we were part of the local community.

Discovering Local Treasures: Traditional Portuguese Craft Store

After lunch, we decided to explore the local shops, hoping to find some unique souvenirs to take back home. We stumbled upon a charming Traditional Portuguese Craft Store, filled with handmade ceramics, cork products, and embroidered textiles. Lena, with her artistic eye, was immediately drawn to the colorful ceramics, while I was intrigued by the intricate cork creations.


Explore the beauty of handcrafted Portuguese art at the Traditional Portuguese Craft Store in Évora, where tradition meets creativity.

We spent a good hour browsing through the store, chatting with the friendly shopkeeper, who shared stories about the local artisans and their craft. We ended up buying a beautiful hand-painted ceramic bowl and a cork wallet, perfect reminders of our time in Évora. Supporting local businesses is something we always try to do when we travel, and it felt good to know that our purchases were helping to preserve traditional crafts.

An Evening Feast: Dinner at Dom Joaquim

As evening approached, we made our way to Dom Joaquim for dinner, another restaurant highly recommended for its Alentejo cuisine. The restaurant had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and we were greeted by friendly staff who made us feel right at home. The decor was elegant yet comfortable, with stone walls and hanging sculptures adding to the ambiance.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Dom Joaquim in Évora - where tradition meets flavor in every dish.

We started with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by a hearty stew and grilled lamb. The food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. Lena and I shared a bottle of red wine, savoring the flavors of the Alentejo region. For dessert, we indulged in a rich chocolate mousse, the perfect ending to a perfect meal. Dom Joaquim truly offered a refined dining experience, showcasing the best of Alentejo gastronomy.

Reflections on a Day Well Spent

As we walked back to our hotel, the city was quiet and peaceful, the stars twinkling above us. We reflected on our day, filled with ancient wonders, delicious food, and warm hospitality. Évora had exceeded our expectations, and we were already looking forward to exploring more of its hidden gems tomorrow.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Chapel of Bones and the Igreja e Mosteiro de São Francisco. I'm not sure I'm entirely ready for the Chapel of Bones, but Lena assures me it's a must-see. We'll also check out the Évora Cultural Experience and perhaps unwind at the ADC Wine & Food Bar in the evening. It sounds like another day packed with exploration and new discoveries!

Back at the hotel, I realized I had forgotten to pack sunscreen and a portable phone charger – rookie mistake! I'll have to remember to pick those up tomorrow. Despite those minor setbacks, today was a resounding success, and I can't wait to see what Évora has in store for us next. Until then, boa noite from this enchanting city!

P.S. I almost forgot to mention! I saw posters around town for Quim Roscas & Zeca Estacionâncio, a comedy duo, performing later this month. It seems like Évora has a vibrant cultural scene, with events happening all the time. Maybe we'll catch a show later in our trip!