The castle dates from 1306, but was rebuilt after the 1531 earthquake. Exterior stone carving shows unwarlike small bows, the symbol of the Bragança family – the knot symbolises fidelity. The interior is neatly restored, with impressively meaty columns topped by a sinuous arched ceiling on each cavernous floor though there isn't much to see inside. The roof provides sweeping panoramas.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
17.21 MILES
Once part of the Roman Forum, the remains of this temple, dating from the 2nd or early 3rd century AD, are a heady slice of drama right in town. It's…
17.46 MILES
One of Évora’s most popular sights is also one of its most chilling. The walls and columns of this mesmerising memento mori (reminder of death) are lined…
15.89 MILES
The dukes of Bragança built their palace in the early 16th century when the fourth duke, Dom Jaime, grew tired of his uncomfortable hilltop castle. The…
23.82 MILES
Set within a beautiful landscape of olive and cork trees stands this huge, spectacular oval of standing stones, 15km west of Évora. It is the Iberian…
22.77 MILES
The Great Dolmen of Zambujeiro, 13km southwest of Évora, is Europe’s largest dolmen. Under a huge sheet-metal protective shelter in a field of wildflowers…
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17.25 MILES
Guarded by a pair of rose granite towers, Évora’s fortress-like medieval cathedral has fabulous cloisters and a museum jam-packed with ecclesiastical…
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29.47 MILES
Offers two-hour open-air sessions taking in the marvellous star-filled skies of the Alentejo. You'll get an overview of constellations visible with the…
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27.72 MILES
Around 27km west of Èvora, the Escoural Caves contain several cave paintings and rock carvings that date back more than 13,000 years. One-hour guided…
Nearby attractions
8.23 MILES
This museum is housed in a beautiful 17th-century almshouse near the former palace. Pretty hand-painted furniture sits alongside endearing, locally carved…
8.3 MILES
At the top of the upper town is the stark, glowing-white, fortress-like former royal palace, now the Pousada de Rainha Santa Isabel. Dom Dinis built the…
3. Palácio dos Marqueses da Praia e Monforte
8.4 MILES
This former royal palace was recently restored and reopened to the public in 2015. It houses a changing array of exhibitions showcasing talented artists…
8.48 MILES
This photogenic cafe – built in art-nouveau style between 1908 and 1909 – is worth seeing for both the exterior and interior (don’t overlook the upstairs…
8.5 MILES
Near the centre of town stretches this marble-edged water tank, called the Lago do Gadanha after its scythe-wielding statue of Neptune.
8.56 MILES
Just north of the square Rossio Marquês de Pombal, you’ll find a few monastic buildings that were converted into cavalry barracks and today house a modest…
7. Centro Interpretativo do Tapete de Arraiolos
14.87 MILES
Overlooking the town's main plaza, this polished, interactive museum delves into the rich history of Arraiolos' tapestry-making traditions, with beautiful…
15.05 MILES
It's worth making the ascent up to the Arraiolos castle for fine views over the countryside. The original structure dates from the 14th century, and it's…