Historic Centre of Évora

One of Portugal cultural areas is called the Alentejo, menaing "beyond the Tagus." At the heart of this area is a town called Evora. Evora is one of the oldest town in all of Europe. It has Roman, Moorish, and Portuguese influences. In fact, it is enclosed by a wall! 

 Evora is still inhabited and was recently rated the second best city to live in Portugal. It has a warm weather and is generally quiet.

 Many monuments in the city are considered of historical importance. The church in the main square si one of them.

 The Evora Cathedral is also a very important monument in all of Portugal. It was built around the 1200s-1300s. Many additions to the cathedral have left a rich legacy of the different eras in Portugal.

 The Temple of Evora dates back to the Roman Empire. It is the most famous structure in Evora and it is unique in Portugal, given the fact that Evora was so far from the Roman capital. It has survived tie because it was incorporated into a medieval building, ensuring its protection.

 Another memorable place was the Lóios Convent and Church. Its whole nave is covered in traditional Portuguese azulejos which are characteristic of manueline architecture.

 The University of Evora is also part of the site. The University is still functional. I remember walking into one of the classrooms and feeling as if I were taking classes inside art. Most rooms have art on azulejos, and are small and are designed in a very old style. The professor must step up into a podium that is a few feet above the floor and stuck to the wall. I am doing a terrible job at describing this, but it is pretty cool.

 The last thing that I found amazing was the Capela Dos Ossos, meaning the Chapel of Bones. This chapel was entirely built on human bones. On the entrance, there is a carving saying "Os ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos," which translates into "the bones that here lay, are waiting for yours." The chapel was built to remind those in attendance about how short life is and how we all will become one day like the bones inside the chapel. It is a rather obscure attraction, but it is amazing to see. I definitely recommend it.