Portugal / Évora & the Alentejo / ÉvoraÉvora
A Roman Temple and a Chapel of Bones on the Alentejo Plain
The walled capital of the Alentejo's plains, a UNESCO-listed town of whitewashed lanes: the Roman Temple, the Gothic cathedral with its rooftop walk, the Chapel of Bones (Capela dos Ossos) lined with skulls, and the Praça do Giraldo. The Almendres Cromlech, a ring of about 95 standing stones older than Stonehenge, is 15 km out, and the hilltop village of Monsaraz and the cork, olive and wine estates around it make the drives. An hour and a half from Lisbon by Intercidades train. July and August often pass 40 °C.
Highlights
- Roman Temple
- Cathedral rooftop
- Chapel of Bones
- Almendres Cromlech
- Monsaraz above the Alqueva lake
- Alentejo wine and olive estates
Things to do
- Roman Temple, cathedral and its rooftopMorning · 2h 30m
- Chapel of Bones in the São Francisco churchAfternoon · 1h
- Almendres Cromlech standing stonesMorning · 2h
- Monsaraz and an Alentejo wine estateAfternoon · 5h
- Evening in the Praça do GiraldoEvening · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: March – May, September – October
Worth knowing
Inland Heat: 40 °C and More
July and August on the Alentejo plain and in the deep Douro valley often pass 40 °C, far hotter than the coast. Sightsee early, rest in the afternoon, carry water, and book rooms with air-conditioning (and a pool at a quinta). June and September are warm but easier.
Worth knowing
Wildfire Season
From July to September hot, dry winds spread wildfires in the forests of the centre and north, the Algarve hills (Monchique) and Madeira, as in 2017, 2024 and 2025. Follow the civil-protection text alerts, obey road and trail closures, never light a fire or barbecue outdoors, and check before a hike. Travel insurance should cover cancellations.