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The Essential Free Tour of Évora

Duration: 2h and 30min
Languages: English, Spanish
Guru: Take
Quality Verified Registered on February 19, 2020

Take is a small local company that wants to show its cities to the world. We have a team of talented and passionate guides who want to show you the nooks and crannies, secrets and stories of our unforgettable city. Come and discover Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Guimarães and all the charms and charisma of Portugal. 2018, 2019 & 2020 Certificates of Excellence by TripAdvisor.

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  • No minimum number of attendees
    No minimum number of attendees is required for the tour
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Embark on the Essential Évora Free Walking Tour, a captivating journey into the heart of Portugal's history, nestled within the ancient walls of Évora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This beautiful experience begins beside the awe-inspiring Silver Water Aqueduct, a testament to ancient engineering prowess, and guides you through a city where every stone and shadow has a story to tell, from the Roman era to the Age of Discoveries.

As you traverse the cobbled streets past the unique Enclosed Houses, you'll arrive at the Roman Arch of Dona Isabel, a portal to Évora's storied past, where the blend of Roman and Arabic heritage is palpable in the air. The city, known as Ebora and Yabura in times gone by, holds secrets of historical upheavals, architectural marvels, and tales that shaped the Iberian Peninsula.


In the vibrant Giraldo Square, the spirit of Geraldo Sem Pavor, the fearless warrior, comes alive as you uncover stories of revolts, French invasions, and the resilience of this magnificent city. The imposing Évora Cathedral stands nearby, a fortress of faith and a beacon of the city's enduring spirit, housing relics that whisper tales of devotion and defiance.


The Roman Temple, often associated with Diana, the goddess of the hunt, offers a glimpse into the city's ancient religious life, setting the stage for discussions on the Portuguese Inquisition and the pivotal conflicts between the Marquis of Pombal and the Jesuits. This iconic monument serves as a symbol of Évora's rich historical tapestry and its contribution to the nation's identity.

Further enriching the tour, the Churches of São Francisco and Graça present architectural splendor and spiritual depth, each with its unique narrative and place in Évora's history. As the tour meanders to the tranquil Public Garden, you're invited to reflect on the beauty and stories that make Évora a timeless city.

Guided by experts passionate about storytelling, the Essential Évora Free Walking Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to delve deep into the layers of time that make up this city. With personalized insights, secrets, and recommendations, your stay in Évora will be transformed into an unforgettable adventure.

Experience the essence of Évora, where history is not just learned but felt, through its defensive walls, ancient arches, and monuments that have stood the test of time. Join us on this journey and let the soul of Évora, with its historical richness and architectural beauty, resonate with you long after you leave its ancient streets. This tour is an invitation to explore, discover, and fall in love with one of Portugal's most enchanting cities, making it an essential experience for anyone wanting to connect with the heart of the Iberian Peninsula.

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Highlights

What will we visit on this tour?

  • Meeting point:
    Evora, Portugal
    Evora, Portugal
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    Porta Velha da Lagoa, the guide will be wearing a badge.

  • 1
    Outside visit
    Porta Velha da Lagoa

    Begin your exploration at the majestic "Porta Velha da Lagoa," where history's whispers beckon from the threshold of time. This ancient gateway, a sentinel standing guard over stories and secrets of the past, invites you into the heart of a city cradled by centuries. As the original entry to a bygone era, the Porta Velha da Lagoa offers a tangible connection to the generations that have traversed its path, setting the stage for a journey through the cobblestoned lanes that pulse with the lifeblood of histor

  • 2
    Outside visit
    Aqueduct

    The Silver Water Aqueduct is a testament to Roman engineering genius. This architectural marvel, stretching over 9 kilometers, was crucial in sustaining Évora through centuries, bringing life-giving water to this historic city.

  • 3
    Outside visit
    Casas encastradas

    Wander past the Enclosed Houses, a unique architectural phenomenon in Évora. These residences, nestled within the city's ancient walls, offer a glimpse into the medieval lifestyle, each façade and window telling its own story of domestic life spanning centuries.

  • 4
    Outside visit
    Arco Romano de Dona Isabel

    Step through the Roman Arch of Dona Isabel, a portal into Évora's storied past. This ancient structure serves as a testament to the city's significant Roman heritage, standing as a silent witness to the ebb and flow of empires and epochs.

  • 5
    Outside visit
    Giraldo

    The pulsating heart of Évora, Giraldo Square, is named after the fearless Geraldo Geraldes, who liberated the city from Moorish rule. This lively plaza, with its fascinating history of uprisings and resilience against French invasions, continues to be a gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.

  • 6
    Outside visit
    Catedral de Évora

    Marvel at the Cathedral of Évora, a formidable edifice that combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its massive walls and towers resemble a castle, housing priceless religious artifacts and offering panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.

  • 7
    Outside visit
    Templo Romano Évora

    Visit the iconic Roman Temple, erroneously attributed to Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. This well-preserved temple symbolizes Évora's ancient Roman roots and has stood the test of time, offering insights into the religious practices of a bygone era.

  • 8
    Outside visit
    Igreja de São Francisco

    Discover the Church of São Francisco, renowned for its Chapel of Bones, and the Church of Graça, with its unique Renaissance façade. Each church offers a unique narrative, from macabre reflections on mortality to the architectural elegance that defines Évora's spiritual landscape.

  • 9
    Outside visit
    Jardín Público de Évora

    Find solace in the Public Garden, a lush oasis that offers a tranquil retreat from the city's cobblestone streets. This verdant space, with its exotic plants and meandering paths, provides a peaceful backdrop for reflection on Évora's rich tapestry of history.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

664 ratings
4.7
By category
Professionalism
4.87
Fun
4.48
Expression
4.68
Quality
4.81
Route
4.84
Generic
5 stars
555
4 stars
90
3 stars
13
2 stars
1
1 star
5
Steve 23 Apr 2024

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Apr 2024
Elza was great!
Peter 22 Apr 2024
Nistelrode

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Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Elza was a great Guide.
Gail 22 Apr 2024
Novato

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Elza gave us an excellent historical, geographical, and cultural overview of Evora. She was super-knowledgeable without being pedantic, fielded questions well, and had a friendly, open demeanor. Length of the tour was just right. We were especially pleased with the recommendation she gave us when we asked about hiking from Évora.
Joseph 20 Apr 2024
Bellevue

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
Elza was great. We learned a lot in such a short time. Beautiful city and fascinating history and sights.
Janice 20 Apr 2024
Columbus

Verified booking
Travelled in group - Apr 2024
Our guide Elza was the best. Very engaging and knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour.
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Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
There is no minimum number of people required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
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