Family Adventure in Historic Évora

A Day of Ancient Echoes

Our first day in Évora was nothing short of magical. Stepping into this UNESCO World Heritage city felt like traveling back through time, each stone whispering stories of civilizations past. The crisp December air, a gentle reminder of the approaching winter, added a certain charm to our explorations. The family and I were eager to dive into the heart of Évora, ready to uncover its historical treasures.

Our journey began at the Roman Temple of Évora. Rising majestically against the skyline, this ancient temple, often misattributed to the goddess Diana, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire. Built in the 1st century AD, during the reign of Emperor Augustus, it served as a focal point of the city's forum, a place of worship and political significance. I couldn't help but imagine the bustling Roman life that once thrived here, a vibrant hub of activity and culture.


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

Sophie was particularly fascinated by the temple's history. She peppered Andreas and me with questions about the Roman Empire, their gods, and their way of life. It was a wonderful opportunity to share our knowledge and ignite her curiosity further. Even Andreas, usually engrossed in his software engineering world, was captivated by the temple's architectural details and historical importance.

The temple's architecture is truly remarkable. The Corinthian columns, standing tall on a raised podium, showcase the ingenuity and skill of Roman engineers. Despite centuries of transformations, including its integration into medieval buildings and use as a slaughterhouse, the temple has remarkably survived, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Standing there, surrounded by these ancient stones, I felt a profound connection to the past, a sense of awe at the resilience of human history.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.”

Next on our itinerary was the Cathedral of Évora, a formidable structure that dominates the city's skyline. As we approached, the cathedral's Gothic features and imposing façade immediately captured our attention. Construction of the cathedral began in the late 12th century, following the Christian reconquest of Évora from Moorish rule. Over the centuries, it underwent several expansions and renovations, resulting in a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architectural styles.


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's grandeur unfolded before us. The soaring nave, flanked by two aisles, created a sense of spaciousness and reverence. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting colorful patterns on the ancient stone floors. We wandered through the chapels, each adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and religious art. The main chapel, rebuilt in the 18th century, showcased the opulence of Roman Baroque style, with polychrome marble decoration and gilded details.

One of the highlights of our visit was the Gothic cloister, built in the 14th century. Its intricate architectural details and serene atmosphere provided a tranquil space for contemplation. We climbed the spiral staircase to the upper story, where we were rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of Évora and the surrounding landscape. From this vantage point, we could appreciate the city's historical layout and the rolling hills of the Alentejo region.

After immersing ourselves in the cathedral's splendor, we ventured to our final destination of the day: the Chapel of Bones. Located within the Church of St. Francis, this unique and macabre chapel is one of Évora's most well-known monuments. Built in the 17th century by Franciscan friars, the chapel's interior walls are covered and decorated with human skulls and bones.


Explore the haunting beauty of the Chapel of Bones in Évora, where history and the macabre intertwine in a unique cultural experience.

As we stepped inside, a chilling inscription above the entrance greeted us: We bones that are here, for yours we wait. The sight was both eerie and thought-provoking. The bones, carefully arranged in patterns and designs, served as a stark reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

The chapel's origins lie in the 16th century when Évora faced a shortage of cemetery space. The Franciscan monks, seeking to address this issue and convey a spiritual message, exhumed thousands of remains and used them to construct the chapel. Their goal was to encourage visitors to reflect on the fleeting nature of earthly existence and the importance of preparing for the afterlife.

Despite its macabre nature, the Chapel of Bones was a deeply moving experience. It prompted us to contemplate our own mortality and appreciate the preciousness of each moment. Sophie, initially apprehensive, found herself intrigued by the chapel's history and symbolism. It sparked a conversation about life, death, and the meaning of existence, a conversation I wouldn't have anticipated having on our family vacation.

Before heading back to our hotel, M'AR De AR Aqueduto, we took a detour to a Traditional Portuguese Craft Store. I was eager to find a special memento of our trip, something that captured the essence of Évora's rich cultural heritage. The store was a treasure trove of artisanal crafts, from intricate pottery to beautifully woven textiles.


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

I've always appreciated Portugal's craftsmanship, especially the Alentejo region's dedication to traditional clay pottery. The designs often reflect rural life, with warm colors and floral motifs. We found a small, hand-painted ceramic bowl, perfect for holding potpourri in our Bonn home. It was a piece of Alentejo to bring back with us.

For dinner, we chose Café Alentejo, a local favorite known for its traditional Alentejo cuisine. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made us feel right at home. We started with the *sopa de cação*, a creamy dogfish soup that was a regional specialty. For the main course, Andreas and I shared a hearty *guisado de vitela*, a flavorful veal stew. Sophie opted for the *bochechas de porco*, tender pork cheeks that melted in her mouth.


Discover authentic Portuguese flavors at Café Alentejo in Évora – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on our experiences over a glass of local Alentejo wine. Évora had captivated us with its ancient wonders, its rich history, and its unique blend of cultures. It was a day we would cherish forever, a testament to the power of travel to broaden our horizons and deepen our connections.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Évora's historical center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit Giraldo Square and its fountain. We're also looking forward to experiencing the local culture with a visit to SkyBAR Évora in the evening. I'm sure Évora has many more stories to tell, and we're eager to listen.

Before drifting off to sleep, I realized I had forgotten to pack an adapter for the Portuguese power outlets. Note to self: always double-check the essentials! Despite this minor oversight, our first day in Évora was a resounding success, a perfect start to our family adventure.

Today was truly something special, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!