We're here at our 14th campsite, Orbitur Camping Évora, one hour from Beja, more or less; we've set up the 'van, had lunch and been on a mini road trip to the medieval city of Monsaraz, about 50 minutes from camp. Not bad I say.
Despite the sun/cloud/rain/thunder weather, Monsaraz is definitely worth the trip. Uplifting. The link above says it all really.
5G church:
We even buy a souvenir but not sure it will make it home...
The view of the sourounding country from Monsaraz is breathtaking. What used to be a river when the town was constructed now forms an irregular lake. We spot the long bridge that has been constructed across the water - the road leading to the small town of Mourão and Spain beyond that.
We fancy crossing that lovely bridge so we give Mourão a quick visit; the bridge is great.
We plan to Uber into Évora tomorrow...
...and so we go there... It's certainly not a disappointment either. A UNESCO site with the old town paved with the typical Portuguese cobbles, we manage to get in early enough to avoid the numerous tour groups, the majority of which seem to be American.
The Cathedral is vast and in impeccable condition; with our combined museum and Cathedral entry ticket, we are able to spend as much time as we like on and in this sturdy building.
Possibly the one of the most interesting organs (the 'Japanese pipe organ') in Europe is housed here, being constructed in 1562.
The Palace of the Dukes of Cadaval contains some of the most impressive tiling in Portugal and, strangely, a stock of skulls and bones visible beneath a grid in the floor.
The attached art gallery contains a wide range of art and artefacts, beautifully displayed - with a couple of surprises.
The Templo Romano is one of the best preserved in the Iberian peninsula.
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