Monday, October 28, 2019 Evora
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| Panoramic view of Evora from the mirador at the Jardim Diana, with Torre das Cinco Quinas |
We began today with a walking tour of Evora. Our local guide, Maria, was one of the best storytellers and most knowledgeable guides we’ve had – she really made history come alive, with anecdotes and observations of human behavior that often had me laughing. We began right in front of our posada – which she told us was founded as the Convento de Sao Joao Evangelista in 1485. Even though it’s called a convent, it was for the monks (smaller monasteries were known as convents and administered by larger monasteries , which were run by bishops in this region.) The convent, and the adjoining (private) church Igreja de São João Evangelista, are owned by the same family that owns the wine estate that we toured yesterday.
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| On the left, the Church of John the Evangelist, in the center, the door to our posada, and, right, the Roman temple of Evora |
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| Maria, our knowledgable and funny guide |
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| View of Evora from the belvedere overlook at the gardens |
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| Modern, interesting sculptures dispersed throughout the city |
We first walked to the Jardim Diana (gardens) to overlook the countryside from the Miradouro Jardim Diana. We could see the aqueduct and the remains of the roman walls, and the tower -- the Torre das Cinco Quinas (Tower of the Five Shields). The gardens are located along the outside wall of the Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval, a 17th-century palace, built from the remains of an old castle (burnt down in 1384), and later serving as Governors and Royal residences. The gardens (and the whole town) have a number of contemporary public art pieces, primarily made of marble, which are quite interesting and attractive.
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| The columns and capitols are original; they were protected in the middle ages because they were part of the town hall. |
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| Site of the Roman forum in front of the temple (our posada on the right) |
The major monument in Évora is the Temple of Diana, which is located directly in front of our posada. Dating from the 1st or 2nd century A.D., it's a light, graceful structure with 14 granite Corinthian columns topped by marble capitals. Although it is said to have been dedicated to the goddess Diana, Maria says there is no evidence for that. The temple’s structure was incorporated into mediaeval buildings, and used for the town hall. This explains why the original columns and capitals have been so well preserved.
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| Palacio and loggia at the Pateo of Sao Miguel, Evora old city |
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| Another example of the public art marble statues scattered throughout Evora |
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| Our American Institute of Architects tour group - about 25 amazing, accomplished people |
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| The bright, white streets of Evora |
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| Iron gate |
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| Puerta to the Pateo of Sao Miguel - the plaza in front of the Palacio |
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