The Roman Temple of Évora and its historic town

The history of the Roman Temple of Évora dates back to the 1st century, when the city of Évora was a Roman colony. The temple was originally built to be dedicated to the emperor Augustus, who reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD.C. However, after the fall of the Roman Empire, the temple was used for religious practices and was dedicated to the goddess Diana, the goddess of procreation, childbirth and hunting. This is why the temple is also called the Temple of Diana. Over the centuries, the monument underwent several transformations and its uses diversified.

In the Middle Ages, the building was used as a church and burial chapel, and during the Renaissance, this magnificent building was requisitioned as a private mansion. It became a gathering place for parties and celebrations.

In the 19th century, the temple was completely restored to become the historic monument it is today, and is one of the most visited tourist sites in Portugal and the Alentejo region. Since 1986, the Roman Temple of Évora has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its historical and architectural importance. It is a fascinating testimony to the expertise and quality of construction of the Roman Empire, and a symbol of the history of the city of Évora and the surrounding region.

The Romans arrived in Portugal in 218 B.C. during the Second Punic War between the two great powers of the ancient Mediterranean, Rome and Carthage. They first established a colony in Lisbon and then extended their dominion over almost the entire country. The Romans controlled Portugal for around 600 years. They built roads, bridges and other infrastructure to help maintain their empire.

The Temple of Diana is made up of six slender, imposing stone columns, over seven metres high and more than a metre in diameter. The temple, and in particular the columns, were built without the use of mortar. The stones were simply fitted together to form a solid structure and.... Apparently durable! In fact, the Évora temple has been standing for over 2,000 years. The sculptures on the pediment depict mythological figures, including the goddess Diana and Jupiter, the king of the Roman gods. The temple is a fine example of the use of symmetry and balance in architectural design, as well as the finesse of ancient construction techniques.

The temple is a free monument that can be visited from the outside. You don't need to buy an entrance ticket or come during specific times.

Travel back in time with a visit to the historic centre of Évora. Famous for its rich historical heritage and remarkable monuments, this city is packed with little treasures. From the mysterious Roman Temple of Évora to the majestic Gothic cathedral and the fascinating Chapel of the Bones, every corner of the city offers a total immersion in the history and culture of Portugal.

Cadaval Palace

Also known as the Bishops' Palace, Cadaval Palace was built in the 14th century and was used as a residence by the city's bishops until the 19th century. It now houses an art gallery and temporary exhibitions.

Convent dos Lóios

This former Franciscan convent was built in the 17th century. It is a remarkable example of Baroque architecture.

Évora Cathedral

This Gothic cathedral was built in the 13th century and completed in the 15th century. It is home to some remarkable works of art and offers a breathtaking view of the city from its roof.

Évora's cuisine is a feast for the senses, with a variety of traditional Alentejo dishes such as pork with paprika, gazpacho, sheep's milk cheese and the famous Évora bread. These delicious dishes will immerse you in an explosion of flavours and textures unique to the region. These delicious dishes will immerse you in an explosion of flavours and textures unique to the region. We fell for the tasting menu at the Origens restaurant, and were pleasantly surprised by the food and wine pairings and the friendliness of the staff at this small, unassuming establishment. The restaurant is open from 12:30 to 14:00 and from 19:30 to 22:00.