{"id":9981,"date":"2023-12-04T10:41:29","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T10:41:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/?p=9981"},"modified":"2024-08-01T14:50:07","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T13:50:07","slug":"spotlight-on-evora","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/spotlight-on-evora\/","title":{"rendered":"The Chapels of Blue Tiles and 5,000 Bones: A Spotlight on Evora"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With its white-washed houses, ancient ruins, winding streets and UNESCO recognized 14th century walls, Evora in southern Portugal is one of the country’s most underrated destinations. It may be a little off the beaten path, but it’s worth the trouble to find \u2013 if for nothing more than visiting two particular chapels, each with its own unique style of decor.<\/p>\n

To find out more we spoke with Local Guide Maria, this week\u2019s Insightful destination expert<\/a>. Maria has lived in Evora and has been showing visitors around this picturesque destination the last 40 years. She tells us about some of the city\u2019s highlights and why it is a great off-season destination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

For travel inspiration: Portugal destination guide<\/a><\/p>\n

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Why is Evora so special?<\/h3>\n

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\u201cEvora is different from all the other cities in Portugal. It has a special something,\u201d says Maria of her home for the last 40 years. \u201cIt\u2019s not really a city, it’s more like a town with just over 50,000 inhabitants.<\/p>\n

Evora lies in the Alentejo Region of Portugal, known for its sun-baked olive groves, cork oak woodlands, fortified towns and excellent wines. The entire walled center of Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many monuments and historical sites to explore and enjoy.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s so intriguing about Evora is that it has been a landmark since Roman times. So, its structure and its spirit are visibly made up from the remnants of many different periods of history. There is history around every corner. In 2027 the city will be one of the European Capital of Culture locations, which goes to confirm its importance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Discover this on: Amazing Spain & Portugal<\/a>, Country Roads of Portugal<\/a> and Grand Spain & Portugal<\/a><\/p>\n

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The perfect off-season getaway<\/h3>\n
\u201cTemperatures are mild outside of the summer, making this the perfect place to visit any time of year,\u201d Maria says. \u201cFor instance, in November, we are seeing fantastic blue sky, very sunny outside and temperatures are about 60 degrees F\/16 degrees C.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are not in short sleeves because we are locals, but I just came from town and visitors are in T-Shirts! The temperatures drop at the at night, but we never have temperatures below zero. There are not so many people this time of year compared to high season, but there’s still always a nice buzz to the place.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are looking to travel more sustainably and avoid the crowds by choosing the shoulder season, Portugal overall is a great destination.\u201d<\/p>\n

You may be interested to read: 12 months, 12 unmissable destinations: the best places to travel in 2024<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Roman roots and whitewashed houses<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\u201cEvora was initially a military settlement, built by the Romans in the 1st century B.C.\u2019\u201d says Maria. \u201cIt is strategically placed, about 300 meters above sea level and has water and fertile soil, so it was an important location. The city\u2019s Roman Forum is still an impressive sight.\u201d<\/p>\n

The white houses, balconies and tiles for which the picturesque city is known were introduced into region and the southern part of Portugal and Spain by the Arabs. \u201cThey were here between the 8th century in Evora and in this region until the 1165,\u201d explains Maria.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe white paint (made from limestone) was introduced to disinfect and to clean the houses. At the same time, it kept the houses cool by reflecting the sun. The south of Portugal is white to this day, both in this Alentejo region, and the Algarve region to the south.<\/p>\n

You may also enjoy reading: Bottled history: the enduring legacy of Portugal\u2019s oldest wine<\/a><\/p>\n

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The choice of 16th century Kings <\/h3>\n
\u201cThere are two peaks of growth in the history of Evora.,\u201d says Maria. \u201cThe first was as described before under the Romans in the 1st century B.C. The again in the 16th century under the Portuguese kings, especially King John II, King Manuel, King John III.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough officially it was never capital of the Kingdom, the kings were very fond of Evora. Lisbon was becoming too busy because with the discoveries there were too many things going on.\u201d During this period, Portugal was the first European power to begin building a colonial empire.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, they sometimes had long stays here and, whenever the king was around, all the VIPs were also in town. During this time the Royal Palace was enlarged and Evora was equipped with the facilities that were considered important in those days. It\u2019s also when the town became an archdiocese and the university was opened, run by the Jesuits.<\/p>\n

Enjoy a tour to Portugal: 9 reasons why Best of Spain & Portugal is a simply unmissable tour<\/a><\/p>\n

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The blue tiles of Loios Church <\/h3>\n

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The Church of the L\u00f3ios holds a significant place in the historical and architectural heritage of \u00c9vora. Dedicated to S\u00e3o Jo\u00e3o Evangelista (St. John the Evangelist), it was founded in 1485.<\/p>\n

\u201cLoios Church is the place to see the stunning blue and white tiles for which Evora, and indeed Portugal, is famous,\u201d Maria tells us. \u201cIt was built in the 18th century which was a very big period of development for tile work techniques.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen the north of Europe was covering walls with tapestries, and producing woven rugs and such things, we in Portugal did the same motifs on our tiles and used these to decorate our walls.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can see tile work in other places, but it’s not very common, and Loios Church stands out in that it is covered with tiles from the floor to ceiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe walls were created by Portuguese craftsmen and tell the story of Saint Lawrence, the patron St of the Loios congregation – this was the Church of the monastery next door. Today’s the building is privately owned. It really is beautiful and something you must see with your own eyes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bookmark for later: All the ways you\u2019ll experience the Insight difference when you travel to Portugal<\/a><\/strong>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Chapel of Bones<\/h3>\n
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Photo credit: Alonso de Mendoza, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

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The Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in \u00c9vora, Portugal, is part of the larger Royal Church of St. Francis, and was constructed by Franciscan friars in the late 16th century. A truly intriguing sight, the chapel\u2019s interior is chocked full of human skulls, interspersed with bones. \u201cThere are some 5000 skulls and many other bones, all displayed with great thought in a certain order,\u201d Maria says.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis used to be the meditation room of the Franciscan Friars. The late 16th century was the period of the reformation in Portugal and Catholicism was preaching that \u2018only the soul matters\u2019 – in the end we are all equal to the eyes of God. So, the big message was to prepare the soul for eternity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe presume these were all poor people because those bones belonged to several cemeteries of the churches. All churches had a small graveyard on the side for the people who could not afford to be buried inside the church. Very often in common graves, and with no name.\u201d\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Souls never forgotten<\/h3>\n
\u201cDuring this \u2018Golden era\u2019 the town was growing fast. Restricted by its walls, the only space available for construction was the cemeteries. A new cemetery was made outside walls and families were told to move their ancestors.<\/p>\n

\u201cMany bones were left behind because they had nobody to look after them. Unidentified, nobody knew who they were. The Franciscans gathered those bones, and they gave them a sacred ground. That’s how this started and then they’ve inadvertently become a more prominent part of history than ever imagined.<\/p>\n

\u201cNow people come from all over the world to see them. Some say a prayer, maybe about how their life would have been. Some take pictures, then return home and show the pictures to friends. So, they\u2019re not forgotten anymore. I like to show guests the bones in that perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n

You may also be interested to read: Exploring the history and traditions of Mexico\u2019s Day of the Dead<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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More Evora highlights<\/h3>\n

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\u201cThe Roman Temple is a must see in Evora,\u201d says Maria. Probably the most well-known monument of the city, the temple is over 2000 years old and is one of the most important historic ruins in the country.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole of Evora is beautiful at sunset because the sun gives a golden color to all the whitewashed walls. And the temple\u2019s granite columns are just spectacular in the evening glow. So, I always tell them to go to the temple as it is up high, with unforgettable views across the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe University is also an impressive sight,\u201d Maria says. \u201cBuilt in the 16th century, it is Portugal\u2019s second oldest university. Architecturally it is stunning, with the most important building being the Col\u00e9gio do Esp\u00edrito Santo. You can also admire tile work in the classrooms. The university is also interesting because it is still a university today. So, although it’s a monument, it’s still alive.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe whole town of Evora is a highlight. Not only the buildings that are considered monuments, but the whole town is interesting. You can just walk and enjoy. Sip wine and enjoy great food. Visitors often come here from the capital, and going to Evora from Lisbon is a welcome and relaxing change.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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To enjoy the sights and spirit of Evora and the delights of Portugal, along with stylish hotels and delicious dining, take a look at our collection of premium tours<\/a>.\n<\/div>\n
Don\u2019t forget to play our Insightful Travel Trivia game<\/a>, test your knowledge for the chance to win great travel prizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With its white-washed houses, ancient ruins, winding streets and UNESCO recognized 14th century walls, Evora in southern Portugal is one of the country’s most underrated destinations. 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