We drove about three hours north from the Algarve to southcentral Portugal and arrived to the Medieval town of Evora. Actually, the area was inhabited about 2000 years ago by the Romans. There is a well-preserved Roman Temple of Diana close to the old town’s center. We recommend at least one night stay to see Temple Diana in its glory at night.
A large medieval wall encircles “Old Town.”
The 16th century Portuguese aqueduct can still be seen on the northwest corner of town. It is big enough to allow cars and trucks to drive through the archways.
We followed the aqueduct from the road all the way into Old Town. It ended about 9 feet or so high.
Perched close by was the inquisitive cat.
We found a pleasant hotel outside the city walls, Victoria Stone.
The quirky but comfortable hotel was our home for 2 days.
Once again breakfast was the highlight.
The pool area looked real inviting. But, once again, the weather overrided our desires with cold March weather.
Walking along the Medieval Walls is a garden. We came across a pride of Peacocks. One peacock was strutting her/his stuff on top of a pillar.
There is a fairly sizable square that acts like the center of Old Town.
We have found all European churches to always have an “awe” factor. Church of St. Francis did not disappoint.
We were glad to see a cross with a Ukrainian flag.
I told Kathie that the Franciscans were an odd type of order. I did not go into any detail. On top of the archway entering the chapel were these words in Portuguese, “We bones in here wait for yours to join us.” Obviously, our translation skills being at the very bottom.
What Kathie walked into was the “Chapel of the Bones.” She quickly walked out to say the least. Three Monks in the 14th Century collected bones from about 5000 people located in various cemeteries in Evora. What they were attempting to say was how transitory life really is. I guess, “You are here today, gone tomorrow” type of philosophy.
5000 bones are in this chapel with only 3 windows.
It was definitely eerie.
Ironically, the three Monks are buried in a white coffin!
There are plenty of cafes and shops between the narrow alley-ways.
We ate at one cafe that had a good pizza and cherry-cheese cake!
We did enjoy going into Evora’s Cathedral.
Again, the cathedral is “awe-inspiring.”
There was a monastery connected to the Cathedral that dates back to the 14th Century.
The Evora Cathedral did allow people to climb the stairs to the very top. Luckily, there were hand railings unlike the Belem Tower in Lisbon!
The views from the top of the Cathedral are majestic.
Outside the Cathedral I noticed this row of cars. I thought to myself, “What is missing in this picture? Yes, trucks! No trucks! There are not many F150’s in Portugal when gas is running at $8.50 a gallon!
Two nights in Evora is enough. Tour companies usually spend just a night. We like to extend our self-made tour to add those extra-sights that many visitiors miss.
We also like to take our time. Enjoy the sights, for example, with a can of Coke!
We will continue northwest to the port town of Nazare where 80 foot waves are famous there. Thank you for joining us in our quest in seeing this magical country.