Exploring Évora: A Romantic Getaway in Portugal

A Day Amongst Royalty

Today, Lena and I delved deeper into Évora's historical embrace, a journey that felt like stepping back through centuries of Portuguese royalty and artistry. The day was ambitious, packed with visits to palaces and churches that whispered tales of kings, counts, and the intricate craftsmanship of bygone eras. It's days like these that remind me why I love exploring Europe, finding those perfect intersections of history, art, and local culture.

Our morning began with a hearty breakfast at Degust'Ar. I opted for a strong coffee and a traditional pastry, while Lena enjoyed a fruit-filled yogurt. According to recent reviews, the restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, so I was eager to experience it myself. Energized, we set off to explore the royal side of Évora, starting with the Royal Palace.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Degust'Ar in Évora - where tradition meets innovation in every delicious dish.

The Royal Palace of Évora, also known as Palácio de Dom Manuel I, was our first stop. The palace has a turbulent history, with its origins as a convent in the 13th century before becoming a royal palace under King John I. It was expanded by King John II and King Manuel I into a grand Renaissance palace. Today, only a few segments remain due to war, decay, and urban redevelopment. The remnants are located within the Jardim Público de Évora. As we walked through what remained of the palace, I imagined the bustling court life during the reign of King Manuel I, a time when explorers like Vasco da Gama sought audiences here. Lena, ever the artist, was captivated by the Galeria das Damas, the Ladies' Gallery, admiring the Manueline architectural style that blends Gothic elements with maritime motifs.


Explore the Royal Palace of Évora, a stunning blend of history, architecture, and lush gardens in the heart of Portugal's cultural treasure.

From the Royal Palace, we ventured to Palácio Barahona. This palace, unlike the Royal Palace, is a stunning example of 19th-century architecture. Initially built as a noble residence for José Maria Ramalho Dinis Perdigão, a wealthy farmer, the palace was designed by Italian architect Giuseppe Luigi Cinatti. Today, it houses the Tribunal da Relação de Évora. As we explored the exterior, Lena and I admired the elegant façade and intricate details that reflect the artistic heritage of Portugal.


Explore the architectural marvel of Palácio Barahona in Évora, a symbol of Portugal's rich heritage and cultural history, perfect for every traveler.

“Traveling is not just about seeing new places, but also about experiencing different eras and cultures, piecing together the puzzle of human history.”

Next on our itinerary was the Igreja de São João Evangelista, also known as Igreja dos Lóios. This church, founded in 1485 by D. Rodrigo Afonso de Melo, is a stunning example of Gothic, Mannerist, and Baroque styles. The church was part of the Convento dos Lóios, now the Pousada Convento de Évora. Stepping inside, we were immediately struck by the azulejo tile panels depicting scenes from the life of St Lawrence Justinian. These tiles, created in 1711 by António de Oliveira, are considered some of the finest examples of Portuguese craftsmanship. Lena was particularly fascinated by the contrast between the Gothic portal and the intricate azulejos. We also explored the underground cistern and ossuary, a poignant reminder of the monks who once lived here.


Explore the enchanting Igreja de São João Evangelista, a historical gem in Évora, showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage.

For lunch, we stopped at Restaurante 1/4 pras 9. This restaurant is known for its traditional Alentejana cuisine, and it certainly didn't disappoint. I ordered the Sopa de Cação (dogfish soup), a local delicacy, while Lena enjoyed the Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice). The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, with decorations that highlighted its many awards and accolades.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Restaurante 1/4 pras 9 in Évora - where tradition meets taste.

After lunch, we took a break from sightseeing to do some shopping at D'Évora for you Artesanato, Gourmet e Vinhos. This shop offered a wide array of local crafts, gourmet products, and wines. I picked up a bottle of local red wine, while Lena found a hand-painted tile to add to her collection. I was hoping to find some sunscreen, as I had forgotten to pack it, but unfortunately, I didn’t see any.


Discover the heart of Évora at D'Évora, where local crafts, gourmet foods, and exquisite wines await your exploration.

For dinner, we had reservations at Adega José de Sousa, a restaurant known for its traditional Alentejo dishes. The restaurant is part of the José Maria da Fonseca winery, which has been around for 190 years. We started with a selection of local cheeses and cured meats, followed by Carne de Porco com Amêijoas (pork with clams) for me and Ensopado de Borrego (lamb stew) for Lena. The food was rich and flavorful, perfectly complemented by a glass of the winery's own red wine.


Experience the best of Alentejo's wine heritage at Adega José de Sousa, where every glass tells a story of tradition and excellence.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on the incredible journey through Évora's history and culture. The city, with its blend of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance influences, truly felt like a living museum. Lena and I both agreed that Évora had exceeded our expectations, and we were already looking forward to exploring more of the Alentejo region.

Tomorrow, we plan to venture outside Évora to visit the **Castle of Evoramonte** and **Monsaraz Castle**, and the **Chapel of Saint Blaise**. I'm particularly excited about visiting Monsaraz Castle, which I’ve heard offers stunning views of the Alentejo landscape. We'll also try out some new restaurants, including Restaurante A Casa for breakfast, Aromas do Campo for lunch, and Bistro Barão for dinner. And maybe, just maybe, we'll find some time to relax at A Ver Évora - Rooftop Bar, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

Before I close, I wanted to share something I've been reflecting on. Being Czech, I often find myself comparing the histories and cultures of different European countries. It’s fascinating to see how each region has its own unique story, shaped by its geography, its people, and its interactions with other cultures. Évora, with its layers of history and its blend of architectural styles, is a perfect example of this. It's a reminder that Europe is not just a collection of countries, but a mosaic of interconnected stories, each one contributing to the richness and diversity of the continent.

Until tomorrow, keep exploring!