Top Things to do in Alentejo
What to do and see in Alentejo, Portugal: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Discover the best top things to do in Alentejo, Portugal including Observatorio do Lago Alqueva, Capela dos Ossos, Statue of the Fireman, Igreja de Sao Francisco, Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora), University of Evora, Castelo da Rainha Santa Isabel, Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres, Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei, Castelo de Palmela.
Restaurants in Alentejo
1. Observatorio do Lago Alqueva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 264 reviews
The Observatorio do Lago Alqueva – OLA (Lake Alqueva Observatory) is an astronomical observatory next to the medieval village of Monsaraz. OLA offers almost daily tours of the magnificent night sky of Monsaraz, where one can learn the orientation by the North Star, identify the constellations and know their legends, relate stellar colours with their ages, observe star clusters, nebulas and distant galaxies with the help of telescopes. The explanations are presented with clear examples and language by OLA’s guides. When the weather is cloudy, we resort to a simulation using astronomy software. The observatory also promotes courses on astronomy and astrophotography and has a vast program of outreach talks and activities for the general public, schools and senior groups.
Reviewed By IdB11_NL - Utrecht, The Netherlands
We had a great evening with Nelson (and other families). He explained a lot about the (newborn) stars, planets, galaxies etcetera. And showed them with his telescopes. He has an enormous knowledge and can explain it very well. And every question was answered in a very clear way.
2. Capela dos Ossos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,483 reviews
The walls and pillars of the chapel, built in the century XVII, are lined with thousands of human bones and skulls. Ceilings with murals realtivas death. Written on a plaque next to the door, the phrase "We bones that are here for your hope", reminds us how fleeting passage through life.
Reviewed By jonahNJ - Pennington, United States
The one place I was really looking forward to visiting in Portugal was the Chapel of The Bones. Once inside this relatively small chapel, it exceeded my expectations! Note that the chapel is small, so there is a staggering of groups admitted to the chapel. However, the visitors moved along well during my visit. Just outside of the chapel is a poem which compels travelers to ponder their existence. If that was not enough of a prompt, just over the entrance to the chapel is the engraved warning “Nós ossos que aqui estamos pelos vossos esperamos” which loosely translates to “We bones that are here, we are waiting for yours." I then entered the chapel and sure enough all of the walls and pillars are covered in a variety of human bones and skulls. Skulls are also used to trim portions of the ceiling. During my visit, I learned that approximately 5,000 skeletons from church cemeteries in Evora were used to “decorate” the chapel. Visiting this small chapel was one of the most surreal experiences of my life and a must see for visitors to Evora.
3. Statue of the Fireman
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3 reviews
4. Igreja de Sao Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
You are about to visit "Igreja de São Francisco", a beautiful church at the historic center of Évora. It is considered to be the very first Franciscan Order church in Portugal, dating from the 13th century. Later, between 1475 and 1550, it was remodeled, acquiring Gothic and Manueline architectural characteristics, which are still seen. Along the years, the Portuguese Royal Family chose the church complex as its lodging place while visiting Évora, appointing "Igreja de São Francisco" as the "Royal Chapel". Generous donations from the Portuguese Crown helped creating its refined and luxurious interior, with beautiful altars, gilded sculptureworks and Renaissance and Baroque choir stalls. Ten open chapels, five on each side, reflect the richness of its decoration. Restoration efforts, dating from 2015, brought back its former splendor. Visit the church, altars, baptismal font, side chapels and the adjoining "Capela dos Ossos" (literally, "Chapel of Bones" in English), one of the most famous tourist attractions of Évora. Enjoy!
5. Cathedral of Evora (Se Catedral de Evora)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,119 reviews
Roman-Gothic 12th century cathedral. Guard a valuable treasure. Spectacular visit the cloisters of the cathedral and coverage, with magnificent views of the historic center. Is part of the monumental complex as a Unesco World Heritage
Reviewed By IndySig - Indianapolis, United States
We enjoyed viewing and walking around this old beauty. The cloister area was interesting with the spiral staircase and beautiful vaulted roof. Plus, the Madonna and the crypts were fascinating. The views from the top were great of the city and the cathedral was interesting. A great visit.
6. University of Evora
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By Sightsee538677 - Sibiu County, Romania
Among the tourist attractions of Evora, the building Colégio do Espírito Santo of University of Evora is a place to be seen. It takes only 1 hour to make a visit, and the building will fascinate you with the first steps you take in the inner yard surrounded by a cloister. The tiles that decorate classrooms are true works of art! Look on the ceilings after the image of the dove on a circle, symbol of the Holy Spirit and also of the University. Do not miss the cistern, the room where the Jesuits were accustomed to collecting the rain. Because I did a business visit, I can say that university staff is professional, very welcoming and communicating, real help for my purpose!
7. Castelo da Rainha Santa Isabel
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 439 reviews
Reviewed By Headedwestboy - Frederick, United States
Driving up to the castle we began to see the lovely walled town of cobblestone streets. The castle sitting atop the hill became our hone for two nights and what a home it was! Lovely rooms with updated bathrooms, appropriately decorated. Ours had a little sitting room and a beautiful view of the vineyards below. The restaurant serves good regional food and a plentiful breakfast. I hope we’ll be back some day!
8. Centro Interpretativo dos Almendres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,259 reviews
Reviewed By remcoh127 - Santa Barbara de Nexe, Portugal
The 8,000 year old, Cromeleque dos Almendres near Guadelupe (Évora, Alentejo) dates from the new Stone Age and Bronze Age. The double stone circle is made up of 95 egg-shaped megaliths and is located on top of a hill. There is a rolling landscape with cork oaks all around; the view is beautiful. The standing stones of the Almendres Cromlech are regarded as the finest example of Neolithic structures that remain on the Iberian Peninsula. Thankfully, the local government has not cordoned or fenced off the stones and visitors are free to wander around the entire site and even touch the stones. This relaxed approach extends to the management of the site, there is no entrance fee and the stones are open to visit at any time. You need a car to reach the stones from the visitors centre over a unpaved track of 4 km, walking is not advised because you share the track with cars. The atmosphere is peaceful and you experience a magical sentiment when think this was build 6.000 B.C.
9. Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,204 reviews
Reviewed By 535family - Brighton, United Kingdom
It’s easy to get the ferry to Cacilhas and then the bus 101 up to the statue. The park is a peaceful setting with great views of Lisbon and close up to the statue - a good place for a picnic - or you can ride the lift up to the viewing platform for the best views of Lisbon and the Iconic Bridge. Even if you don’t like heights there are very high railings and you will feel safe. There are quite a few narrow steep steps to climb so going to the viewing platform would be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. This is a religious place and there is a prayer room and a chapel for those who want it, but non religious folk are made to feel welcome too.
10. Castelo de Palmela
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
Reviewed By sos_kss - Sesimbra, Portugal
Really easy castle to walk. Lots of open space for large groups. The inclines aren't that steep, so it's good for kids and stroller/wheelchair access. Not as slippery and narrow as other castles. Has a rather fancy hotel/restaurant attached. Ample parking. Free activity.
