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<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nAfter lunch, we found our way to the Capela dos Ossos, a small chapel of the Igleja do S\u00e3o Francisco whose walls are made entirely of human bones exhumed from local cemeteries in an attempt by a few monks to remind people that life is fleeting. It does…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Igleja\u00a0do S\u00e3o Francisco was established by the Franciscans, and as such it was simple, but over time wealthy families bought chapels and adorned them with ornate sculptures and much gilding. It\u2019s a bit of a hodge-podge, but it\u2019s glorious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To get a 360 view of \u00c9vora, we wandered over to the S\u00e9 de \u00c9vora, a newer cathedral established in the late 12th century atop a Moorish mosque which itself was built on a Visigothic chapel. It\u2019s chief interest is that it features a figure of Mary as pregnant, apparently in an attempt to convert the Celtic fertility worshippers. A climb up steep, narrow stairs bring you to the roof, the highest point in \u00c9vora.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Next to S\u00e9 \u00c9vora stands the ruins of a Roman temple. It strikes quite a figure in the midst of the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before dinner we took a walk outside the walls to view the 14th century wall that is still intact around the entire city and the 16th century aqueduct that supplied the city with water and still carries water to this day. Homes and other structures have been built under and on top of the aqueduct within the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dinner was an amazing experience suggested by our host\u2014a small (6 table) restaurant called Bistro Bar\u00e3o run by Miguel and Margrite. The menu is basically Miguel\u2014he suggests what you should order, and that\u2019s exactly what you should do. It was exceptional. \u00a0A splurge, but a worthy one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some photos from the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00c9vora’s main square, Par\u00e7a do Geraldo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capela dos Ossos, the Chapel of Bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capela dos Ossos detail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Igleja do S\u00e3o Francisco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Igleja do S\u00e3o Francisco detail; gilt and tiles.<\/p>\n Roman ruins.<\/p>\n Pregnant Mary, S\u00e9 \u00c9vora.<\/p>\n\n\n Outside \u00c9vora’s 14th century wall.<\/p>\n The aqueduct leading into the walled city.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A three hour drive from Coimbra brought us to the 14th century walled city of \u00c9vora, in the heart of cork and pine nut country. Cork trees and pines as far as the eye can see… \u00c9vora is a beautiful … Continue reading <\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n