Évora
埃武拉 · Évora, Portugal
An old city on the Alentejo plain whose well-preserved historic centre holds the Roman Temple, the cathedral and the Chapel of Bones at the Church of St. Francis; a World Heritage Site since 1986, it shares the title of European Capital of Culture 2027 with Liepāja in Latvia.
Know before you go
- Do not touch the bones or the walls
- do not joke around or pose for playful photos in the chapel
- do not wander about during religious services
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The Court and Royal Weddings
In the 15th century the Portuguese court often stayed in Évora for long periods, and the city hosted many royal weddings, making this inland town for a time an important stage of the kingdom's political life.
Source: Wikipedia: Évora
History
City of Yews
One theory traces the name Évora to a Celtic word for yew trees, meaning roughly "of the yew trees"; the old name of York in England is thought to share the same root.
Source: Wikipedia: Évora
History
"We Bones Here Await Yours"
The Chapel of Bones was completed by Franciscan friars, and its walls are almost entirely covered with human bones, estimated at around 5,000 skeletons. The inscription at the entrance reads "We bones that are here await yours", inviting visitors to reflect on life and death.
Source: Wikipedia: Capela dos Ossos
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Évora lies in central Alentejo, Portugal, about 140 km east of Lisbon. Its old town holds the Roman Temple, Évora Cathedral, Giraldo Square and the Chapel of Bones beside the entrance to the Church of St. Francis; the historic centre became a World Heritage Site in 1986. The Romans conquered the town in 57 BC, and Julius Caesar named it Liberalitas Julia. Arab forces took it in 715 and called it Yāburah; in September 1165 Gerald the Fearless recaptured it in a surprise attack. In the 15th century the royal court often stayed here for long periods. The Jesuits founded a university here in 1559; the Marquis of Pombal closed it in 1759, and it reopened in 1973.
Local customs
- Stroll the old town to see the Roman Temple and the cathedral
- visit the Chapel of Bones with respect
- rest at a café on Giraldo Square
- look out over the Alentejo plain from beyond the city walls.
Etiquette & taboos
Etiquette & taboos
Don’t DON'T
- Do not touch the bones or the walls
- do not joke around or pose for playful photos in the chapel
- do not wander about during religious services
Locals appreciate DO
- Keep silent and show respect inside the Chapel of Bones
- follow the venue's rules on photography
- dress modestly when entering churches
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Summers are very hot, so bring sun protection and water and avoid being outdoors at midday
- the old town has many cobbled streets, so wear comfortable walking shoes. Opening hours for the sights are as officially announced. Spring and autumn are best for strolling, summer is hot but full of festivals, and winter is mild.
- You can get there from Lisbon by train or bus, with timetables as officially announced
- the old town is compact and ideal on foot.
Photos
Photos
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