Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History & Culture
Before the Romans arrived in the 1
st
Century, the Celts had already established a settlement
here called Ebora. Under the Romans the city was known as 'Ebora Liberalistas Julia' and
became an important military outpost for Roman Iberia. After a brief spell under the rule of
the Visigoths, the city began to flourish under Moorish rule becoming an agricultural centre
and gaining a mosque and fortress. The city was captured by the Kingdom of Portugal in
the 12
th
Century and became an important part of the kingdom, playing host to the first and
second dynasties and numerous royal weddings.
Between the 14
th
and 16
th
Centuries, Evora enjoyed a golden age, favoured by artists and
scholars and constructing its university in 1559. In the 18
th
Century, the Jesuits were ex-
pelled from Portugal, the university was closed for almost 25 years, and the city went into
decline. In 1834, it was in Evora that the surrender of King Miguel I forces occurred mark-
ing the end of the Liberal Wars. Today, Evora displays a variety of architectural styles and
boasts a proud and rich heritage.
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