The Alentejo region boasts some of the most well-maintained Roman ruins in all of Portugal. For millennia, its architectural marvels and historical significance have captivated travelers from around the world.
Despite being
Portugal’s largest region
, the Alentejo continues to attract relatively few tourists. Despite this, it boasts an extraordinarily rich cultural and historical legacy, particularly evident in its capital city, Évora, which stands out prominently.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
.
This 14
th
A centuries-old walled city unveils distinctive architectural marvels at each corner along its winding cobblestone lanes. Notable among them is the Temple of Diana, constructed during the 1st century.
st
The century is among the most well-preserved ancient ruins in the nation. Featuring its granitic Corinthian columns, this site stands out.
archaeological site
leads you directly into the area’s ancient Roman history.
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From a Roman structure to a local butcher’s store
Even though it bears her name, the Temple of Diana seems not to have been officially consecrated to the Roman huntress deity. This structure was erected during the opening decades of the first century.
st
In the century AD, when Évora was still governed by Roman authority, historians concur that the structure was erected in honor of Emperor Augustus following his deification posthumously. The edifice experienced various alterations during the 2nd century.
nd
and 3
rd
hundreds of years prior to being obliterated in the 5
th
during the period of the Great Invasions.
As Christian influence expanded, the temple ceased serving its initial purpose and went through multiple alterations. During the Medieval period, it was integrated into a fortress structure and included within Évora’s castle complex. Over many years, some of its columns were used as part of the construction materials for the medieval edifice, inadvertently aiding in their own conservation. Starting from the 16th century,
th
From the century onward, it functioned as the town’s slaughterhouse up until 1836. The year 1871 marked the beginning of an ambitious restoration effort under the guidance of Italian architect Giuseppe Cinatti, whose aim was to return the temple to its former ancient glory.
A historical site evocative of past grandeur
The dimensions and design of Évora’s Temple of Diana bear some resemblance to those of
Maison Carrée in Nîmes
Even though part of it lies in ruins, its massive rectangular platform, spanning 15 meters by 25 meters, underscores the significance of this structure. Similarly, the fact that 14 Corinthian columns remain upright after enduring for hundreds of years attests to its grandeur.
Great news for those visiting: the temple can be accessed without any fee throughout the entire year since it stands within an open public area. Nevertheless, due to preservation concerns, entering the actual structure is not permitted.
An open-air village museum
Exploring this monument also allows you to discover Évora, one of the
loveliest towns in the Alentejo
. Relish the outstanding ambiance: the Duke of Cadaval’s palace and the Gothic cloister of the Convent of the Lóios are within reach. Additionally, the adjacent gardens and fortifications provide spectacular vistas across the town.
The Sé Cathedral of Santa Catarina, which mixes elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles, is an essential visit, while the Bone Chapel, whose walls are decorated with skulls, offers a striking visual experience. Culture enthusiasts and food lovers alike will also find plenty to explore here.
Museum do Megalitismo
Or savor the famous wines of Alentejo at local wineries.
Roman Temple of Diana
Largo do Conde de Vila Flor remains unchanged as it appears to be a proper noun referring to a location.
7000-804 Évora
+351 266 769 450
culturaportugal.gov.pt
