Thursday 23rd March - Evora

The town of Evora is a short drive from our campsite and, as it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we decided to make a visit.  Before we'd had a chance to hit the tourist trail, we happened upon a little cafe that was absolutely buzzing with local people, either popping in for take out lunch or taking a table in the cafe.  People weren't stopping long so the turnaround was very fast but the place was very busy.  If ever you get the chance, pop in to Restaurant A Muralha and you won't be disappointed.  We each had the dish of the day; a  very generous slice of broccoli and seafood quiche with side salad.  The quiche was still warm from the oven and  both deep and delicious.  For this we were charged the princely sum of  €2.80 each.  A very good start to our trip.

Walking around the town, Angela was particularly impressed by the Artwork on the telephone exchange box covers.  The quality of the work changed something that's quite unsightly into an attractive and interesting talking point.

Statues of the Apostles at the entrance to Evora Cathedral

Among the many monuments in the town is the first century Roman Temple.  This is thought to have originally been surrounded by a reflective pool of water.  It is sometimes incorrectly referred to as The Temple of Diana.

The central square, Praca de Giraldo

This restaurant didn't tempt  with it's window display
of traditional fare on offer

Royal Church of San Francisco

Cloister of the the Royal Church of San Francisco

Inside the Royal Church

Inside the Royal Church

We visited The Chapel of Bones, which provides an interesting if somewhat macabre spectacle.  Built in the first half of the 17th century, the walls are entirely lined with human bones.  The purpose of the chapel is to invite the living to reflect on the transitory nature of the human condition.  If reminder were needed, the sign above the Chapel doors reads "We bones here for yours await".

The Chapel of Bones, Evora

The Chapel of Bones, Evora

Unfortunately, today has been very overcast and before too long it began to pour with rain.  However, this did send us diving for cover and gave us the opportunity to visit the exhibition of over 2,000 nativity scenes in various materials, ceramic, wood, cloth from all over the world that are displayed on the top floor of the Church.

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