Portugal: Evora and Beja

 

Evora Roman Aqueduct (from Hotel)

Evora (EH-voh-rah)

As you approach Evora from the Algarve, Evora, you pass groves of cork trees (look for the red trunks

where the cork was harvested).
Evora was part of the Roman empire from second century BC to fourth century AD,

then the Visigoth Kingdom, then ruled by the Visigoths, then finally the Portuguese expelled the Moors

in the twelfth century.  
We stayed at the Hotel M’ar de Ar Aqueduto  with great views of the Roman Aqueduct and a 10 minute walk to the historic town center.  

Evora Cathedral

Praca do Giraldo

Sites:
Praca do Giraldo is a Moorish-era market square, named after Giraldo the Fearless, a Christian knight

who defeated the Moors and took Evora in 1165. 

Walk the narrow streets from Praca do Giraldo, passing the remains of a Roman aqueduct and

Roman Arch (Evora was a walled city in Roman times). 

The highest point in Evora is a square with incredible sites:  Roman Temple -

14 Corinthian columns remain from the first century AD Roman forum; Cadaval Palace;

Museum of Evora; Tribunal of the Inquisition (Evora is where the Portuguese Inquisition started);

Evora Cathedral; and Jardim de Diana (stop at Jardim de Diana Quiosque for a drink in this quaint garden).  

Roman Forum

Praca de Diana

Restaurant:

Evora is considered the Tuscany of Portugal, and the regional cuisine is unique.  

Tasquinha do Oliveira was exceptional, and the owner takes great pride in his cuisine.  He is happy to explain the menu

(it’s only in Portuguese).  Tammy had lamb and I had the black-footed pig jowl (similar to guanciale, a local delicacy); the local Alentejo Esporão wine was excellent. 

Plan ahead, it only has 14 seats across 5 tables!  

Tasquinha do Oliveira

Lucky to get 1 of 5 tables!

Beja (BAY-shah)

On the scenic drive from the Algarve to Beja, you pass many ancient hilltop, walled cities that date back to Moorish and even Roman times.  [Next time we would visit Silves but didn’t have the time on this trip.  Silves has a fascinating history that we want to explore on a future trip.]

The Castle of Beja is a Fortress and Tower built after the Portuguese expelled the Moors in the twelfth century.  It has an interesting history, and is worth a short (1 hour) visit if you are driving from the Algarve region to Evora.  

Castle of Beja

Castle of Beja tower

See prior post for earlier destinations in Portugal…