A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1985, the city of Ëvora has a long history that dates back to Roman times. This Portuguese city, which is a popular tourist destination, was founded by the Romans, and during the height of the Pax Romana was known as Ebora and Ebora Ceralis, and it remained a center of trade and commerce at the very western end of the empire. In the early 5th century the city faced invasion by various Germanic tribes, and fell under Visigoth rule following the end of the Roman Empire. In 715 the city was conquered by the Muslims, and it remained under their control until the 12th century.

Liberated from the Moors by Gerald the Fearless in 1166 AD, the city became one of the most important centers in the revitalized Kingdom of Portugal. The Jesusits founded a university in the middle of the 16th century, and this lasted until the middle of the 17th century and the city grew in size and stature. With the decline of Portuguese power in the 18th century the city went into decline… although the university did reopen in the 1970s.

Today, with its many unique architectural styles, with buildings utilizing the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles, the city remains one of the most fascinating Portuguese cities, with a rich history and culture.