Tourist Vocational Training Course number_1 | Page 6

EVORA

WORLD HERITAGE

Partially enclosed by medieval walls, Evora emerges as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its monuments dating from different periods invite the traveller to immerse in part of the world history.

There many things to do in Évora and many sights to see, so the traveller can enjoy different types of activities and also live a comfortable atmosphere.

One of the most outstanding remains of the Roman period is the "Roman Temple" also

called the "Temple of Diana". Opposite to the museum, the temple dates from the

2nd and early 3rd century, although thre is no concensus aboyut the deity to

which it was dedicated. What surprises the visitor is how it has survided over

the centuries in such a good shape.The temple was apparently walled up in

the Middle Ages to form a small fortress, and then used as the town

slaughterhouse.

A very interesting place in Evora is the Chapel of Bones, whose walls are enterily covered by bones and skulls. A sentence warns the visitor with the following message: "Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos" (“We, the bones that are here, await yours."). This is the idea that a Franciscan monk wanted to give Evora's inhabitants and monks in this monastery, life on earth is not endless.

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