HK Independent Traveller Blog

There is much to see in Evora. Even things done in one day are too much for one post.  So, churches which we visited are shown in this post and the rest is shown in alternate post. Cathedral in Portugal is named Se which stands for Sedes Episcopalis (the seat of the bishop).  Evora cathedral  is the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal, built between 1283 and 1308. The architectural style transited from Romanesque to Gothic . It is completely made of granite. The cathedral was enriched in 15th, 16th and 18th century.  It was the ancient religious seat but gradually gave away to Lisbon.       Apart from the exquisite interior as the most important fortified cathedral, the most interesting part is the roof top and the views around. Very nice stone sculptures show up between the Se Cathedral and the Spring of Porta de Moura . Though not as important as the Se Cathedral, Igreja de S Francisco / Church of S Francisc...

We struggled between a visit to Evora or  Tomar  on one of the last days in Lisbon. Both are beautiful and UNESCO towns. We took the one closer, Evora. It was a major trading and religious centre under the rule of the Romans. Different tribes ruled the city.  Until 1165 Evora was retaken by Geraldo Sem Pavor (Gerald the Fearless). The various rulers left historical monuments / tourist attractions within the city wall. Rossio de Sao Bras (Igreja de Sao Bras / Ermida de Sao Bras Shrine) welcomed us to Evora and offered farewell to us on a sunny day. It is a 15th century fortified church with cylindrical buttresses covered by roofs with capital.  The charming church is not featured in the tourist brochure but you can admire the beauty when approaching the city from the railway station. Jardim Publico and Palacio de Dom Manuel / Dom Manuel's Palace await your visit when moving towards the centre of Evora. Apart from being a relaxing venue for the locals...

We descended back from Cristo Rei by bus in the evening and took a further stroll along the river side via Rua Ginjai . Along the way are abandoned warehouses, run down buildings, graffiti , fishermen and exceptional views of the Rio Tejo, 25 April Bridge and the glorious Lisbon.     The walk is quiet and very different from the bustle ferry terminal.  It took us around 25 minutes (including photo shooting) to the end of the path.  Two restaurants stand to greet visitors.  We picked the colourful Restaurante Ponto Final . If you walk a bit further, you will reach the Boca do Vento lift to ascend to Almada old town and Cristo Rei. Apart from fabulous seafood , we were rewarded with stunning views of the 25 April Bridge and Lisbon between the evening and night. P.S. it was very windy next to Rio Tejo .     The way back was dimmed but romantic.  A few lights dotted the path in the cold night. Goodbye to ...