Three city walls guard the narrow alleys of the Portuguese town of Evora. A town with Roman and Muslim traces, the elapsing of centuries have not swept away a certain provincial atmosphere that throws its cloak over more than three hundred monuments. Because of this, on account of its proud permanence as it stands intact on a rolling hillside, it has received special protection and the Heritage of Humanity title from UNESCO.
Over the centuries, the peculiar siting of this town has received acknowledgement of its value as a strategic location from Roman times when it was given the category of municipality and called Ebora Cerealis. A logical reasoning since this was a way of identifying the town that stood amidst a vast grain-growing area and was, therefore, a cross-roads. Nowadays, Evora still respects those values as it is situated half-way between Lisbon and the border and it is the best starting point for exploring the Alentejo region. In any event, the streets and monuments that greet the walker cannot forego their condition as a cross-roads and force one to wander erratically through a tangled web of alleyways and squares, highly recommendable for a stroll in the peace of the night. Romans and Moors gave the town its present-day planning and the undeniable fascination of Evora attracted a good number of monarchs who made it their residence, in the 16th century building a magnificent set of palaces and mansions.

O ANTAO
In the Antao kitchen, the traditions of good food are respected and practiced as an art that is transmitted from generation to generation, stimulating the senses with the produce grown in the region, accompanied by a fine selection of convent-produced wines and sweets.

CERCA NOVA
Extraordinary vistas of the Fernandina Wall, a unique place in which to relish the cuisine prepared by chef Antonio Nobre. The Cerca Nova Restaurant offers cuisine that takes its inspiration from the Mediterranean, an innovation that is respectful of traditional Portuguese cooking.

COZINHA DE SANTO HUMBERTO.
An ancient wine cellar transformed into one of the best restaurants in town.

BAR DO TEATRO
Next to the theatre, this small, inviting bar has high ceilings and old-world décor that sees a friendly mixed crowd pass through most nights. Music tends toward lounge and electronica.

OFICIN@BAR
Attracting all ages, this is an appealing, relaxed bar with little wooden tables in a white-arched cave-like space. It's convivial, with jazz and blues playing gently in the background. Internet access.

BAR AMAS DO CARDEAL
Popular, darkly lit and weirdly decorated, this bar attracts a chilled, eclectic crowd for post- 01:00 drinking, and weekend dancing on the small dance floor. Regular DJs play cool and funky house

ANTIQUE MARKET
A wide assortment of trash and treasure can be found at this market held near the aqueduct on the second Sunday of each month.

ROSSIO DE SÃO BRÁS
On the second Tuesday of each month a vast open-air market, with everything from shoes to sheep's cheese, sprawls across the big Rossio de São Brás, just outside the walls on the road to the train station.

The Roman Temple
Located in the heart of the old town, dating from the late 2nd or early 3rd century, it is the best preserved in the whole of Portugal, despite having been used as a slaughterhouse until1870. It comprises a small masonry-worked platform, a flight of stairs and over a dozen columns in granite with Corinthian capitals and marble wall panels. There is doubt as to whether it was dedicated, as believed, to the goddess, Diana.
Converted into a market in the Middle Ages, it was built into the castle walls until the 19th century when it recovered its original structure.

Dos Lóios Convent
This 15th century convent is located opposite the Roman temple and is now a Pousada Nacional (tourist accommodation). Nowadays, its cloisters are a summer dining room. Sumptuously decorated, its rooms look out over an inside courtyard, in late Portuguese Gothic on the lower level and Renaissance on the upper level.
Double Moorish arches, slender pillars and intricate sculpted decoration adorn the chapterhouse door which opens out onto the cloisters, an excellent example of the Portuguese-Mudejar style. It is attributed to Francisco de Arruda, the architect who built the aqueduct and the Belem Tower in Lisbon.

The Ancient University
One reaches the courtyard entrance to the Ancient University from behind the Museum. Bordering the old wall towards the outside, following a long garden path, under the Colegiais Archway, one can see the Universidade do Espírito Santo (University of the Holy Spirit), founded by the Jesuits in the 16th century. A Renaissance building with a marble-pillared main door and splendid cloisters in very early baroque style.

Ermida de Sâo Bras
Proof of the work carried out by the best architects in Evora is the church outside the walls, on the road leading to the railway station. The Ermida de Sâo Brás (St. Blaise Shrine) is one of the early works by Diego de Boitaca, a forerunner of the Manueline style. The pointed, tubular buttresses and the crenellated roofing vaguely recollect his Lisbon and Oporto works although the uninhibited originality of the style can be appreciated.