The best cycling routes around Arraiolos

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The number of human skeletons is estimated at around 5,000 and comes from cemeteries and churches in the area, where Franciscan monks were often buried. Many of these skulls are inscribed with the name of the deceased—a truly impressive experience. The inscription above the entrance reads: "We bones who lie here wait until we get yours."

Giraldo Square is the main square in the city of Évora. It has undergone several changes over the years. Not so long ago, a traffic policeman stood there, directing the direction of Rua Cinco de Outubro, when cars circulated here and around the square. It was a parking lot and passenger pick-up point for a large fleet of taxis. It was the venue for meetings and business dealings among local farmers every Tuesday. Nowadays, it is largely occupied by the terraces of the surrounding restaurants and pastry shops. 👍🥾

Renovated part of the Colégio do Espírito Santo, which has currently been made available to the university located behind it.

The church operates under two names: Igreja de São João Evangelista / Igreja dos Lóios. It belonged to the Monastery of Lios, also known as the Convent of St. John the Evangelist, which was built in the 15th century on top of a medieval castle. The monastery itself was converted into the Pousada Convento Évora hotel in modern times and is now privately owned. The church, accessed through a Gothic portal, is notable for the magnificent tiled panels that cover the walls. They were created in 1711 by the master Antonio de Oliveira Bernardes and depict scenes from the life of St. Lawrence Justinian. Through an opening in the floor, one can see the crypt, which lies next to a Moorish cistern. Along the sides are chapels with fine examples of gilded wood carvings. It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal and a must-see.

The original palace was built in the 14th century next to the Tower of Évora, where Martim Afonso de Mello, a servant of the Royal Military Order of Saint Benedict of Aviz and a descendant of the Portuguese crown, ordered its construction. The palace was partially built on the Roman-Visigothic walls of the old castle of Évora, and traces of both remain in its buildings. At the rear of the palace, you can admire the extraordinary Torre das Cinco Quinas, the famous pentagonal tower that gave it its name. In addition to the large outdoor gardens and the numerous rooms and halls that make up the complex, it also houses the Casa Cadaval exhibition rooms, which house a collection of illuminated codices, sculptures, paintings, and armories with pieces from the 15th and 18th centuries. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_the_Dukes_of_Cadaval

In 1551, Cardinal D. Henry, the first Archbishop of Évora, took a further step in pursuing a true apostolic and spiritual reform of his diocese by founding a college of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in the city. The Jesuits developed an important educational center in the adjacent college, which played a key role in the evangelization of the Alentejo. The church's impressive interior clearly reflects the Jesuit spirituality. As part of extensive, costly renovations from 2020 to 2023, the rooms were opened to the public. The current admission fee is €2.50. (May 2025)

In the historic center of the tranquil town of Évora stands the Roman Temple of Évora. The city's landmark is often also called the Temple of Diana, but historically has nothing to do with the Roman goddess of the hunt. A dedication to the highest deity Jupiter is more likely. The Roman Temple of Évora was probably built in the 1st century AD during the reign of Emperor Augustus and later modified under Emperor Claudius. The magnificent structure reflects Roman architecture with Corinthian-style columns.