Destination Portugal: Évora

 Évora is a charming and historic city in central Portugal with relics from Roman and Moorish influence before and during the Medieval period, including protective walls, a temple, several cathedrals, and remains of a royal palace.

Group following the guide

Our tour of the UNESCO Heritage Site began with a walk through a quiet park bordering an ancient wall as a local guide provided information about the city's rich history when it was one of Portugal's cultural and educational centers. 

Church of St. Francis

And then on toward the Old Town center, stopping first at the eerie Chapel of Bones at the Gothic-style Church of St. Francis, its walls "decorated" by Franciscan monks with the remains of 5,000 corpses. 

Bones in the Chapel of Bones

Walking on the cobblestone street, we headed to the Old Town square of Évora, where there are shops and restaurants. People congregated to eat at tables next to a fountain, while others sat on benches along the perimeter to chat or take in the sunshine. For me, this was one of the most relaxing places on the tour. 

Church of Santo Antao in Old Town square

Now on to some other sites in this enchanting place.

Sentry post along wall

Side street 

Temple of Diana, built in the first century

Church of Grace 

Remains of the Royal Palace

Bust of Dr. Francisco Eduardo de Barahona,
 a benefactor of the city, in the Garden of Diana 

Évora Cathedral 

After our visit to Évora, we made a stop at a cork-making factory. Wine is an important Portuguese product, so it makes sense that cork would be prominent as well. 

Bark stripped from cork oak trees 

Now on to the Algarve region in the southern part of Portugal. I hope you stay along for the ride.

Until the next time . . .